From dental composites to flexible coatings – the C12 hydrophobic crosslinkers that formulators trust
In the world of radiation-curable formulations, the choice of crosslinking monomer directly determines the mechanical properties, flexibility, and durability of the final polymer. Short-chain diacrylates like HDDA and BDDA offer high crosslink density and hardness, but often at the expense of flexibility and impact resistance. SINOMER® DDDMA and SINOMER® DDDA solve this dilemma with their unique C12 hydrophobic spacer chains.
Both monomers feature a 12-carbon aliphatic backbone bridging two reactive end groups – methacrylate in DDDMA and acrylate in DDDA. This long hydrophobic spacer provides exceptional molecular mobility, reduces curing shrinkage, and imparts outstanding flexibility and weatherability to cured films. Whether you are formulating dental composites, UV coatings for flexible substrates, or high-performance adhesives, this monomer duo offers the versatility and performance your system demands.
| Property | SINOMER® DDDMA | SINOMER® DDDA |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 1,12-Dodecanediol Dimethacrylate | 1,12-Dodecanediol Diacrylate |
| CAS No. | 72829-09-5 | 65144-37-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₀H₃₄O₄ | C₁₈H₃₀O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 338.49 g/mol | 310.43 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow clear liquid | Light yellow transparent liquid |
| Functionality | 2 (Dimethacrylate) | 2 (Diacrylate) |
| Viscosity (Tu-4 cup, s @ 25°C) | 11–13 | 11–13 |
| Color (Pt-Co) | ≤ 100 | ≤ 40 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.0 |
✔ Fast UV/EB Curing Response – Both monomers cure rapidly under UV and electron beam radiation. DDDA, with its acrylate end groups, exhibits faster curing kinetics than DDDMA, making it the preferred choice for high-speed production lines.
✔ Exceptional Flexibility and Toughness – The long C12 hydrophobic spacer chain provides enhanced molecular mobility, resulting in cured films with outstanding flexibility and impact resistance. Unlike short-chain crosslinkers that produce brittle films, DDDMA and DDDA deliver toughness without compromising hardness.
✔ Low Curing Shrinkage – The extended aliphatic backbone effectively reduces volumetric shrinkage during polymerization – a critical advantage in dental composites and precision-molded applications.
✔ Excellent Weatherability and Non-Yellowing – The hydrophobic nature of the C12 backbone imparts superior weather resistance and UV stability. Cured films maintain clarity and gloss over time, making these monomers ideal for outdoor coatings and optical applications.
✔ Enhanced Surface Characteristics – DDDMA and DDDA improve surface properties of the polymer matrix, including gloss, smoothness, and hydrophobicity.
✔ Good Adhesion to Metals – Both monomers have reported uses in coating formulations with enhanced metal adhesion, expanding their utility in industrial and automotive applications.
The choice between DDDMA and DDDA comes down to reactivity vs. control:
| Comparison | SINOMER® DDDMA | SINOMER® DDDA |
|---|---|---|
| Reactive Group | Methacrylate (slower, more controllable cure) | Acrylate (faster cure) |
| Cure Speed | Fast | Faster |
| Polymer Tg | Generally moderate | Generally lower |
| Best For | Dental, biomaterials, precision applications | High-speed coatings, inks, flexible substrates |
Choose SINOMER® DDDMA when you need controlled curing with excellent mechanical properties, low shrinkage, and biocompatibility – ideal for dental composites, adhesives, and biomaterials.
Choose SINOMER® DDDA when you need maximum curing speed, low viscosity, and flexibility – ideal for high-speed UV coatings, inks, and flexible substrate applications.
Dental Materials – DDDMA is extensively used as a crosslinking comonomer in dental restorative composites and adhesives. Its long-chain structure enhances mechanical properties, improves wear resistance, and extends the longevity of dental restorations. In resin sealants and adhesives, DDDMA demonstrates low polymerization shrinkage compared to other methacrylate monomers.
Biomaterials – The hydrophobic nature of DDDMA facilitates molecular mobility and substrate penetration, making it suitable for tissue scaffolds and biomedical devices.
Coatings – DDDMA is used in radiation-curable coatings requiring improved weatherability, flexibility, and metal adhesion. Its fast curing properties and improved surface characteristics make it valuable for protective coatings.
Inks & Toners – DDDMA improves surface characteristics and durability in ink and toner formulations.
Plastic Lenses – Used in transparent resin formulations for optical applications.
Nail Strengthening Compositions – Reported uses in UV-curable nail care products.
UV Coatings for Flexible Substrates – DDDA is ideal for UV-curable coatings applied to flexible materials such as films, foils, and rubber. Its low viscosity and fast cure enable high-speed processing.
UV Inks – Used in UV-curable inkjet inks and printing inks where rapid curing and flexibility are essential.
Adhesives – Provides flexibility and strong adhesion in specialty UV adhesives and sealants.
3D Printing Resins – Functions as a reactive diluent in photopolymer formulations to control viscosity and functionality while imparting flexibility.
Soft Film Coatings – Suitable for rubber soft film coatings and other applications requiring a balance of hardness and flexibility.
Q1: What is the main difference between DDDMA and DDDA?
A: The key difference lies in the reactive end groups. DDDMA has methacrylate groups, which cure slightly slower and offer more controlled polymerization – ideal for precision applications like dental composites. DDDA has acrylate groups, which cure faster and are better suited for high-speed coating and ink applications.
Q2: Can DDDMA and DDDA be used interchangeably?
A: Not directly. While they share the same C12 hydrophobic backbone, their different curing kinetics and final polymer properties mean they are optimized for different applications. DDDMA is preferred for dental, biomaterials, and applications requiring low shrinkage. DDDA is preferred for high-speed UV coatings, inks, and flexible substrates.
Q3: Why do these monomers offer low curing shrinkage?
A: The long 12-carbon aliphatic spacer chain provides molecular mobility that accommodates volume changes during polymerization. This reduces internal stress and volumetric shrinkage – a critical advantage in dental composites and precision-molded parts.
Q4: Are these monomers suitable for food contact applications?
A: DDDA has been reported in food packaging applications. However, we recommend customers verify compliance with their specific regional regulations (FDA, EU 10/2011, etc.) based on their intended use and final formulation.
Q5: What is the recommended storage condition?
A: Both products should be stored in a dry, clean, well-ventilated warehouse, protected from light and heat. Shelf life is 6 months in the original unopened container.
Q6: What inhibitor levels are used in these products?
A: Both DDDMA and DDDA are stabilized with MEHQ to prevent premature polymerization during storage. Specific inhibitor levels can be adjusted according to customer requirements.
Q7: What are the typical addition levels?
A: Typical usage ranges from 2% to 20% of total formulation, depending on the desired crosslink density, flexibility, and mechanical properties. We recommend small-scale trials to determine the optimal dosage for your specific system.
Chemically identical alternatives to leading global brands
Reliable supply chain with consistent quality from batch to batch
Full technical support from formulation recommendations to application troubleshooting
Competitive pricing without compromising on performance
Customizable specifications including inhibitor levels and purity grades
Ready to enhance your formulations with SINOMER® DDDMA or DDDA?
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Sinocure Chemical Group – Your trusted partner for specialty monomers and UV/EB curing raw materials.
