Glycerol dimethacrylate, 90%, mixture of 1,2- and 1,3-form, stabilized with MEHQ

Product Introduction

Glycerol Dimethacrylate is a multifunctional acrylic monomer derived from glycerol and methacrylic acid.

The molecule contains two methacrylate groups connected through a glycerol-based backbone, allowing it to participate in free-radical polymerization and generate crosslinked polymer structures.

Compared with monofunctional methacrylate monomers, GDMA provides higher crosslinking capability due to its two reactive double bonds. The hydroxyl group within its structure can also influence polarity, intermolecular interactions, and compatibility with other resin components.

Because of these characteristics, GDMA is widely investigated in dental resin systems, polymer networks, hydrogel materials, adhesives, and advanced polymer formulations.

Mechanism / Principle

Glycerol Dimethacrylate polymerizes through the methacrylate double bonds under free-radical initiation conditions.

During polymerization:

• Methacrylate double bonds undergo radical chain-growth polymerization.
• Two reactive groups allow GDMA molecules to connect polymer chains.
• A three-dimensional crosslinked network is formed.

The resulting polymer network can exhibit:

• Improved mechanical strength
• Enhanced dimensional stability
• Higher solvent resistance
• Controlled swelling behavior
• Increased network density

In dental resin systems, GDMA can be combined with Bis-GMA, HEMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, photoinitiators, and fillers to adjust viscosity, curing behavior, and mechanical properties.

Key Research Applications

1. Dental Composite Materials

Glycerol Dimethacrylate is investigated as a crosslinking monomer in dental composite resin systems.

Its multifunctional methacrylate structure contributes to polymer network formation and can influence resin conversion, mechanical properties, shrinkage behavior, and durability of composite materials.

2. Dental Adhesives and Bonding Systems

GDMA can be incorporated into dental adhesive formulations to modify polymerization behavior and network structure.

Researchers study its effects on adhesive layer formation, mechanical stability, and long-term performance.

3. Dental Restorative Materials

GDMA is relevant to resin-based restorative material research, including light-curable composites and polymer-based dental restoration systems.

Its crosslinking ability helps researchers evaluate the relationship between monomer composition and final material properties.

4. Hydrogel Materials

Due to its multifunctional polymerizable structure, GDMA is widely used in hydrogel research.

It can serve as a crosslinking component to regulate:

• Hydrogel mechanical strength
• Swelling ratio
• Network density
• Structural stability

5. Polymer Network Materials

GDMA is useful for preparing three-dimensional polymer networks and crosslinked polymer structures.

Applications include functional polymers, porous polymer materials, and network-based material design.

6. UV-Curable Resins

GDMA can participate in UV-curable formulations to improve coating hardness, durability, and chemical resistance.

It is relevant to photocurable acrylic resins and functional coating systems.

7. Adhesives and Sealants

GDMA can improve crosslink density and mechanical properties in acrylic adhesive systems.

It is investigated for applications requiring durable bonding and resistance to environmental conditions.

8. Biomedical Polymer Materials

The combination of methacrylate functionality and hydroxyl groups makes GDMA useful in research involving polymer-based biomedical materials and functional polymer networks.

Advantages

• Multifunctional methacrylate structure: Provides two polymerizable groups for crosslinking.
• Crosslinked network formation: Improves polymer strength and dimensional stability.
• Dental material compatibility: Suitable for resin-based dental formulations.
• Hydroxyl functionality: Provides additional polarity and interaction capability.
• Hydrogel applicability: Enables controlled polymer network formation.
• Broad polymer compatibility: Works with various methacrylate monomers and resin systems.
• Commercial stabilized grades: Usually supplied with MEHQ inhibitor for improved storage stability.

Storage & Handling

• Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment.
• Recommended storage condition: below 15 °C.
• Protect from direct light because the product is light sensitive.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Commercial products are generally stabilized with MEHQ to prevent premature polymerization.
• Avoid exposure to excessive heat and polymerization initiators.
• Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection during handling.
• Avoid prolonged skin and eye contact.

Research Areas

This product can support research, formulation development, and material innovation across the following specific industries:

• Dental Materials – Dental composite resins, restorative materials, dental adhesives, bonding systems, and light-cured resin formulations.
• Dental Restorative Materials – Crosslinked resin matrices, polymer network optimization, and dental composite formulation research.
• Hydrogel Materials – Biomedical hydrogels, functional polymer gels, swelling-control materials, and crosslinked hydrogel systems.
• Polymer Materials – Crosslinked polymers, acrylic resins, functional polymer networks, and polymer modification.
• UV-Curable Materials – Photocurable coatings, acrylic UV resins, and radiation-curable polymer systems.
• Adhesives & Sealants – Acrylic adhesives, bonding materials, and crosslinked adhesive formulations.
• Biomedical Polymer Materials – Polymer-based biomaterials and functional polymer networks.
• Advanced Composite Materials – Resin matrices, polymer composites, and hybrid material systems.

Q1. What is Glycerol Dimethacrylate?
Glycerol Dimethacrylate (GDMA) is a multifunctional methacrylate monomer used as a crosslinking component in polymer and resin systems.

Q2. Is GDMA used in dental materials?
Yes. GDMA is studied as a multifunctional methacrylate monomer for dental resin composites, adhesives, and restorative material formulations.

Q3. What is the role of GDMA in polymer systems?
GDMA acts as a crosslinking monomer that connects polymer chains and forms three-dimensional polymer networks.

Q4. Is GDMA a monomer or polymer?
GDMA is a multifunctional methacrylate monomer that polymerizes to form crosslinked polymers.

Q5. What is the difference between GDMA and EGDMA?
GDMA contains a glycerol backbone with a hydroxyl group, while EGDMA contains an ethylene glycol spacer. Their different structures influence polarity, flexibility, and network properties.

Q6. Why is MEHQ added to GDMA?
MEHQ acts as a stabilizer to reduce premature polymerization during storage.

Q7. How should GDMA be stored?
Store in a cool, dark place below 15 °C and follow supplier SDS recommendations.