TEGDMA
Pronunciation: T-E-G-D-M-A (spell out)
Also written as: TEGDMA — Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate; a low-viscosity diluent monomer added to dental composite resin formulations to reduce viscosity and improve handling characteristics.
Full Definition
TEGDMA (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) is a bifunctional methacrylate monomer used as a reactive diluent in combination with higher-viscosity monomers such as bis-GMA in dental composite resins. Its addition improves material flowability and degree of conversion, but also contributes to increased polymerisation shrinkage and potential cytotoxicity from eluates. In editorial contexts, TEGDMA must be expanded at first use to 'triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)'. It is commonly listed in safety data sheets and biocompatibility assessments. Editors should not confuse it with UDMA (urethane dimethacrylate), a structurally different monomer.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand at first use. Do not confuse with UDMA (urethane dimethacrylate) or HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate), which are distinct monomers with different properties.
In Context
- "Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was identified as the primary cytotoxic eluting component in the in vitro assay." — Biocompatibility research article
- "The formulation listed TEGDMA as the second most prevalent monomer by weight percentage." — Materials safety data sheet (SDS)