Triacrylate Selection Guide
Release time: 2026-08-06
TMPTA vs (3EO)TMPTA vs (3PO)TMPTA
In UV and EB curing systems, reactive monomers play a critical role in achieving fast curing, durability, and performance balance. This guide compares three widely used trifunctional monomers to help formulators select the optimal solution.
| Property | TMPTA (OE3351) | (3PO)TMPTA (OE3492) | (3EO)TMPTA (OE3454) |
| Structure | TMP core, three directly attached acrylate groups, no flexible spacer | Propoxy (-C₃H₆O-) spacer groups incorporated in molecular structure. | Ethoxy (-C₂H₄O-) spacer groups built into the molecular structure. |
| Shrinkage & Stress | High shrinkage, brittle film | Reduced shrinkage and improved flexibility | Reduced shrinkage but more brittle than 3PO variant. |
| Polarity | Neutral | Hydrophobic | Hydrophilic |
| Pigment Wettability | Limited, may result in poor pigment dispersion. | Excellent wetting on non-polar substrates and pigments | Good wetting toward polar pigments and substrates |
| Water / Moisture Resistance | Medium | Excellent （hydrophobicity） | Medium to poor, susceptible to moisture absorption |
| Cure Rate | Very Fast | Fast curing, slightly slower than TMPTA | Fast curing, slightly slower than TMPTA |
| Film Hardness | High hardness with excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, but very brittle. | Good hardness, high flexibility and toughness | Good hardness and moderate flexibility |
| Adhesion | General | Strong adhesion on plastics and low-energy surfaces | Strong adhesion on paper, glass and metall |
| Key Applications | UV coatings, inks and adhesives | UV offset printing, inkjet inks, outdoor coatings, 3D printing, flexible systems | Paper/cardboard coatings, wood coatings, adhesives for polar substrates |
Conclusion
TMPTA is a fast-curing benchmark material but suffers from brittleness and shrinkage.
(3PO)TMPTA offers the best balance of flexibility, durability, and pigment wetting, making it ideal for inks and outdoor applications.
(3EO)TMPTA provides excellent polarity and adhesion, especially for paper, wood, and metal substrates.
