PHOTOMER 4226

PHOTOMER 4226 is a commercial UV-curable monomer that is chemically based on tripropylene glycol diacrylate, which is a difunctional acrylate ester.
PHOTOMER 4226 contains two reactive acrylate groups that enable rapid free-radical polymerization under UV or electron-beam curing conditions.
PHOTOMER 4226 is difunctional, it promotes crosslinked network formation and improves mechanical strength and chemical resistance of cured films.

CAS Number: 57472-68-1
Molecular Formula: C12H18O5
Molecular Weight: 242.27
EINECS Number: 260-754-3

Synonyms: Oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl) diacrylate, 1,1'-Oxybis(2-propanol) diacrylate, 1,1'-Oxydipropanol diacrylate, Oxydi-1,2-propanediyl di(2-propenoate), 2-Propenoic acid, oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl) ester, 2-Propenoic acid, oxybis(1-methyl-2,1-ethanediyl) ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 1,1'-[oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl)] ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 1,1'-(oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl)) ester, 1-[2-(prop-2-enoyloxy)propoxy]propan-2-yl prop-2-enoate, 1-(2-prop-2-enoyloxypropoxy)propan-2-yl prop-2-enoate, 2-Propenoic acid, 1-methyl-2-(2-((1-oxo-2-propen-1-yl)oxy)propoxy)ethyl ester, 2-propenoic acid 2-[1-(1-oxoprop-2-enoxy)propan-2-yloxy]propyl ester;DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL DIACRYLATE (STABILIZED WITH MEHQ);Dodecylacrylate,n-;Dipropylenglykoldiacrylat;2-Propenoic acid oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl) ester;Dipropylene glycol diacrylate;Oxybis(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl) diacrylate;Oxybis(methyl-2,1-et, CAS 57472-68-1, CAS 85996-31-2, EINECS / EC 260-754-3, UNII V6VF72053S, UNII 1343Z0LNSA, DTXSID2052237, DTXSID50892316, DTXCID401840293, RefChem 589092, SCHEMBL1599728, RNJVAUBBYGWVBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N, AKOS015915481, Q27291601, NS00007645, MSK161886-100B, MSK161886-1000B

PHOTOMER 4226 can be described as oxybis(propane-1,2-diyl) di(2-propenoate), indicating a propoxylated glycol backbone with terminal acrylate groups.
PHOTOMER 4226 is supplied as a mixture of positional isomers due to the nature of tripropylene glycol, which results in slight variations in chain arrangement.
This isomeric composition generally does not affect curing speed but can influence viscosity and flexibility of the final polymer.

PHOTOMER 4226 is marketed by IGM Resins as a reactive diluent and crosslinking monomer for UV-curable coatings, inks, and adhesives.
PHOTOMER 4226 is commonly used to reduce formulation viscosity while maintaining high crosslink density in the cured network.
It provides good balance between hardness and flexibility, making it suitable for wood coatings, overprint varnishes, and industrial protective coatings.

PHOTOMER 4226 distributed by DKSH is an aliphatic di-functional acrylate of low viscosity which is used as a diluent for UV and EB radiation curable formulations. 
It exhibits reactivity, hardness, flexibility, yellowing resistance, adhesion and pigment wetting properties.
PHOTOMER 4226 improves water resistance and is recommended for over print varnishes, screen printing & flexographic inks.

PHOTOMER 4226 is used in metal, paper, plastic and wood coatings.
PHOTOMER 4226 is a bifunctional reactive diluent that polymerizes when exposed to a source of free radicals. 
PHOTOMER 4226 is particularly useful in coatings and inks, where improved flexibility and adhesion and good moisture resistance are required.

Boiling point : 119–121 °C at 0.8 mm
Density : 1.05
Vapor pressure : 0.085 Pa at 20 °C
Refractive index : 1.4500–1.4540
Flash point : 110 °C
Storage temperature : Amber vial, refrigerator, under inert atmosphere
Solubility : Acetone (slightly), Benzene
Form : Oil
Color : Colourless
Water solubility : 5.2 g/L at 20 °C
Cosmetic ingredient functions : Skin conditioning; Film forming
InChIKey : BPUPTQUTGHCAHD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP : 0.2 at 24 °C

PHOTOMER 4226 typically exhibits low to medium viscosity, which helps improve flow and leveling in UV-curable formulations.
This property allows higher solid content without significantly increasing application difficulty.
As a result, it supports fast line speeds in industrial coating and printing processes.

The acrylate functionality of PHOTOMER 4226 enables strong adhesion to a variety of substrates including metals, plastics, and treated polymer films.
It contributes to improved scratch resistance and abrasion resistance when incorporated into oligomer-rich formulations.
It also enhances solvent resistance after curing due to its contribution to network density.

PHOTOMER 4226 is compatible with common photoinitiators such as hydroxyketones and phosphine oxides used in UV-curable systems.
It blends well with urethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates, and polyester acrylates to tailor mechanical performance.
This compatibility makes it suitable for use in hybrid formulations requiring balanced reactivity and flexibility.

From a processing standpoint, PHOTOMER 4226 supports both UV and electron-beam curing without the need for additional thermal activation.
It participates efficiently in radical polymerization and shows high conversion at relatively low irradiation doses.
This behavior helps reduce energy consumption and improves production efficiency in continuous manufacturing lines.

In safety terms, PHOTOMER 4226 is classified as a skin and eye irritant typical of low-molecular-weight acrylates.
Proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles is recommended during handling and formulation.
Ventilation is also advised to minimize exposure to vapors and aerosols during industrial use.

PHOTOMER 4226 contributes to improved flexibility in cured coatings compared with shorter-chain diacrylates such as ethylene glycol diacrylate.
The propoxylated backbone increases segmental mobility within the polymer network.
This results in reduced brittleness and better impact resistance of the final film.

In printing ink formulations, PHOTOMER 4226 helps achieve rapid surface cure while maintaining good interlayer adhesion.
It supports high pigment wetting efficiency when used together with appropriate dispersants.
This makes it suitable for flexographic, offset, and screen printing applications.

The material shows good storage stability when kept in airtight containers protected from light and heat.
Inhibitors are typically added by the manufacturer to prevent premature polymerization during storage.
Recommended storage temperatures are generally below 30 °C to maintain product quality.

PHOTOMER 4226 can also be used in radiation-curable adhesives where fast fixture time is required.
It helps provide strong initial tack after curing and long-term bonding durability.
This is particularly useful in electronics assembly, packaging, and label applications.

From an environmental perspective, UV-curable systems containing PHOTOMER 4226 enable solvent-free or low-VOC formulations.
This supports compliance with environmental regulations and reduces occupational exposure to organic solvents.
Such systems are increasingly preferred in sustainable manufacturing practices.

Uses Of PHOTOMER 4226:
PHOTOMER 4226 is widely used in UV-curable coating formulations for wood, plastic, and metal surfaces where fast curing and good surface hardness are required.
It improves flow, leveling, and film uniformity while contributing to durable crosslinked structures after curing.
These properties make it suitable for furniture coatings, industrial finishes, and protective topcoats.

In printing ink systems, PHOTOMER 4226 is applied as a reactive diluent to control viscosity and enhance curing speed under UV lamps.
It supports strong adhesion to substrates such as paper, cardboard, polymer films, and aluminum foils.
This makes it useful in flexographic, gravure, offset, and screen printing inks.

PHOTOMER 4226 is used in UV-curable adhesive formulations where rapid fixture time and high bond strength are needed.
It contributes to cohesive strength and chemical resistance of the adhesive joint after curing.
Typical applications include label lamination, packaging assembly, and electronic component bonding.

In overprint varnishes and clear coats, PHOTOMER 4226 helps achieve high gloss and smooth surface appearance.
It enhances scratch resistance and abrasion durability of the printed or coated surface.
This is especially important for magazines, packaging, and decorative printed materials.

PHOTOMER 4226 is also utilized in radiation-curable composite and encapsulation materials where dimensional stability is required.
It assists in forming tightly crosslinked polymer matrices that protect sensitive components.
Such uses are common in electronics, optical devices, and specialty industrial parts.

PHOTOMER 4226 is used in UV-curable floor coatings where resistance to foot traffic and cleaning chemicals is necessary.
It contributes to the formation of tough yet flexible films that can withstand repeated mechanical stress.
This makes it suitable for commercial and industrial flooring applications.

In automotive refinish and interior coating systems, PHOTOMER 4226 is added to improve curing speed and surface durability.
It helps coatings achieve good adhesion on plastics and primed metal substrates.
These properties are important for trim parts, dashboards, and protective clear layers.

PHOTOMER 4226 is applied in protective coatings for electronic circuit boards as part of UV-curable conformal coating formulations.
It aids in forming moisture-resistant and chemically stable barrier layers.
This protects sensitive electronic components from corrosion and environmental damage.

In packaging coatings, PHOTOMER 4226 is used to produce fast-curing, scuff-resistant surfaces on cartons and labels.
It supports high-speed printing and coating lines without sacrificing coating performance.
This is critical for food and consumer goods packaging where productivity and surface quality are both required.

PHOTOMER 4226 is also incorporated into UV-curable 3D printing resins to adjust viscosity and curing kinetics.
It helps balance printing resolution with mechanical strength of the printed objects.
Such formulations are used for prototyping, dental models, and functional plastic parts.

PHOTOMER 4226 is used in UV-curable coil coating systems applied to metal sheets before forming and fabrication.
It helps achieve uniform coverage and strong adhesion after rapid radiation curing.
This is beneficial for appliances, construction panels, and automotive body components.

In textile finishing, PHOTOMER 4226 is incorporated into radiation-curable coatings to provide abrasion resistance and surface protection to fabrics.
It enables fast curing at low temperatures, which prevents thermal damage to heat-sensitive fibers.
Such treatments are applied to technical textiles and decorative fabrics.

PHOTOMER 4226 is utilized in UV-curable sealant formulations where fast surface cure and flexible sealing performance are required.
It supports the formation of elastic networks that can accommodate joint movement.
These sealants are used in glazing, electronics sealing, and packaging closures.

In optical coatings, PHOTOMER 4226 contributes to transparent, low-haze films with good mechanical durability.
It supports stable refractive properties after curing and aging.
This makes it useful for protective layers on lenses, displays, and optical sensors.

PHOTOMER 4226 is also applied in specialty paper coatings to improve water resistance and surface smoothness.
It allows instant curing on high-speed paper processing lines.
These coatings are used for labels, release papers, and decorative laminates.

Safety Profile Of PHOTOMER 4226:
PHOTOMER 4226 is classified as a skin irritant and can cause redness, dryness, and cracking after repeated or prolonged contact.
Direct contact with liquid material should be avoided by using chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
Good industrial hygiene practices are essential to prevent sensitization and cumulative skin exposure.

The material can cause serious eye irritation if splashed into the eyes, leading to pain, redness, and temporary visual disturbance.
Safety goggles or face shields are recommended during handling, mixing, and transfer operations.
In case of eye contact, immediate rinsing with plenty of water and medical attention are advised.

PHOTOMER 4226 inhalation of vapors or aerosols may cause respiratory tract irritation, especially in poorly ventilated work areas.
Symptoms may include coughing, throat irritation, and discomfort in the chest.
Local exhaust ventilation is recommended to keep airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits.

PHOTOMER 4226 contains reactive acrylate groups that may cause allergic skin sensitization in susceptible individuals.
Once sensitized, even very low future exposures can trigger allergic reactions.
Therefore, strict exposure control and personal protective equipment are critical in occupational settings.