Monomer Monomer Topics/Tetrahydrofuran Acrylate THFA/THF (EO) A/THFMA
tetrahydrofuran acrylate (THFA)
Tetrahydrofurfuryl Acrylate (THFA) is a colorless to light yellow liquid widely used in light-curing coatings, inks, adhesives, and polymer material modification.
Molecular structure and properties
Molecular structure: It is composed of a tetrahydrofuran ring (saturated five-membered oxane heterocycle) and an acrylate double bond connected by an ester bond, and the chemical formula is C H 2O O.
Cyclic structure: The tetrahydrofuran ring confers molecular flexibility and chemical resistance (better stability to acids, bases, and solvents), while reducing molecular polarity and improving compatibility with hydrophobic monomers.
Introduction to Derivatives
THFEOA (tetrahydrofurfuryl ethoxide acrylate), as a modified product of THFA, has softer, lower irritation, stronger viscosity reduction and better leveling through the precise introduction of ethoxy segments.
THFMA Methyl Tetrahydrofuran Methacrylate, THFMA = Upgraded, Hypoallergenic and Low Yellowing THFA Structure One more methyl in exchange for: lower shrinkage, lower irritation, more resistant to yellowing, harder.
Core Features
- Extremely strong dilution ability : The industry is recognized as the first echelon of viscosity reduction, stronger than many monomers. THFA has good dilution and strong ability to open dilute resins. Compared with DPGDA, TMPTA, TPGDA, and other traditional monomers, the dilution ability and dispersion are better.
- Excellent compatibility : almost all UV resins are eaten, no precipitation or muddling.
- Excellent leveling : Flat film, few pinholes and shrinkage
- Broad spectrum of adhesion : Plastic, PET, metal, glass are all good. Plastic (PC/PET/PVC) has strong adhesion and good adhesion to most plastic substrates
- 5. Good flexibility : The film layer is soft, the internal stress is small, and it is not easy to crack. - The hardness is average, and it cannot be used alone to form the film hard monomer.
- Low odor
Odor characteristics
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
|---|---|
| Odor level | Low odor, but not odorless |
| taste characteristics | Light sweet/slightly fruity, not pungent or stuffy |
| Residual odor after curing | very low |
| Compare HDDA, TPGDA, LA | Smells a lot better |
| Compare TMPTA | Smells too little |
Not as pungent as methyl acrylate or ethyl ester
Medium chemical resistance and average weather resistance. The main advantages are strong dilution, flexibility, good compatibility, and low odor. To truly withstand weather resistance, it must be used with IBOA or alicyclic monomer.
Application Reference
- UV coatings (plastic, wood, film)
Addition: 5 - 20%
Function: Reduce viscosity, level, soften, improve adhesion
Suitable for high solid content, high viscosity systems - UV Ink (Screen, Flexo, Gravure)
Addition: 5 - 15%
Effect: Improves transfer, wetting, good film adhesion
Suitable for flexible packaging, PVC, PET inks - UV glue, transparent adhesive
Addition: 5 - 25%
Function: Low shrinkage, good flexibility, high transparency
Suitable for solder joint protection, cable fixing, glass bonding - 3D printing resin
Add: 10 - 30%
Effect: Strong viscosity reduction, low taste, low stimulation, smooth printing
Use with CTFA/IBOA - Light Curing Nail Polish
Addition: 10 - 25%
Effect: Soft and not brittle, good leveling, low stimulation
with CTFA, HPMA, IBOA
Synthetic route
Two-step method:
- Furfural → hydrogenation → tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA-OH, intermediate)
- Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol + acrylic acid → esterification → THFA monomer
There is also a one-step transesterification method, but direct esterification is more stable and of better quality.
