Stabilized dispersions of titania nanoparticles via a sol–gel process and applications in UV‐curable hybrid systems

Organic–inorganic hybrid UV‐curable coatings were synthesized through blending UV‐curable components and stabilized titania sol prepared via a sol–gel process of tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) with three different stabilizers, acetylacetone (Acac), isopropyl tri(dioctyl)pyrophosphato titanate coupling agent (TTPO) and a polymerizable organic phosphoric acid (MAP). The size and the dispersion of titania particle in the UV‐cured organic matrix were dominated by the properties of these stabilizers. A cured hybrid film with titania particle size around 20 nm was obtained when TTPO was utilized as protection agent for the sol. It is interesting that the hardness and flexibility of the photocured hybrid films were improved simultaneously, in contrast to results with neat organic UV‐curable formulations. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of pigment colour on the printing performance of synthetic leather using a ultraviolet‐curable water‐borne polyurethane acrylate binder

The effect of pigment colours, cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), and a blend of these (CMY blend) on the printing performance of synthetic leather using a ultraviolet (UV)‐curable water‐borne polyurethane acrylate binder and two types of photoinitiators was investigated. The curing process was carried out at different radiation doses using gallium and mercury UV lamps in combination. The performance of the prints was evaluated with abrasion resistance, crock fastness, gloss and hardness values and K/S. Chemical changes in the cured film structures due to UV curing were analysed by Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy measurements. The highest hardness values for clear and pigmented cured films were obtained with a gallium and mercury lamp combination at the highest energy density (1529 mJ/cm²). The highest K/S was obtained for the sample printed with the formulation including the C pigment and cured under a gallium and mercury lamp combination at low energy density (398 mJ/cm²). The M‐pigmented film displayed the highest hardness and abrasion resistance, whereas lower values were obtained with films pigmented with Y and C, and CMY blend, successively. The highest dry and wet crock values were obtained with the formulation including the M pigment. CMY‐pigmented film showed the highest gloss values at all energy densities. The pigment colour affected the curing degree of printed films due to the different absorption/transmission intervals of each colour in the UV spectrum.     

分子结构中碳碳双键对水性UV聚氨酯分散体的影响

采用异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)、聚酯二元醇(聚己二酸-1,4丁二醇酯)(PBA)为主要原料合成了环氧改性的、固体分约为50%的水性紫外光固化聚氨酯分散体(PUD)。通过预聚物中聚氨酯分子末端的—NCO基团与丙烯酸羟丙酯(HPA)和季戊四醇三丙烯酸酯(PETA)上的羟基发生反应,从而引入碳碳双键,使PUD具备紫外光固化的性能。研究了水性UV分散体的碳碳双键对水性聚氨酯的拉伸强度、硬度、粒径等性能方面的影响,同时对涂膜进行动态力学性能测试(DMA)和断面结构表征(SEM)。结果表明:双键含量增加,UV涂料的拉伸强度和硬度增大,分散体和涂料的其他性能基本不变;DMA测试表明随着双键含量的减小,软段的T_g(s)移向低温,硬段的T_g(h)移向高温,相分离趋于完全;SEM测试表明树脂的交联程度越大,抵抗断裂的程度也越大。     

Preparation and properties of fluorinated oligomer with tertiary amine structure in the UV curable coatings

A novel fluorinated oligomer with tertiary amine structure was synthesized by isophorone diisocyanate, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate, and fluorinated diol, which was prepared via Michael addition reaction between diethanolamine and dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate. The structure of fluorinated oligomer was confirmed by FTIR. The prepared fluorinated oligomer was added into the UV curable coatings, the influences of fluorinated oligomer on the cured degree and double bond conversion was analyzed by FTIR and gel content. The conversion ratio is increased when the fluorinated oligomer increased, which is due to the tertiary amine structure in the prepared product. The characteristics of UV cured films such as thermal properties, hydrophobicity, chemical resistance, mechanical properties, and hardness were characterized with the TGA, contact angle, and DMA. Results show that thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and chemical resistance are improved when fluorinated oligomer is introduced into the UV curable coatings. The DMA and hardness results indicated that the mechanical properties of UV cured films were improved and the flexibility decreased. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44387.     

Photopolymerisable formulations for enhanced properties of pigmented films

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) curing is an important and widely used surface technology for coatings. The curable formulations containing: monomer: epoxydiacrylate, photoinitiating system: 4-methoxybenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide/2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one, additive reactive: tertiary amine, and inorganic thermoresistant pigments: white (TiO₂) and blue (Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃), were cured like films by UV exposure. A series of experiments was carried out in order to optimise the photoinitiator ratios in photoinitiating system, and pigment content in the photocurable formulation. Films with enhanced mechanical properties (pendulum hardness, scratch resistance), high resistance at solvents and good appearance were developed. In order to provide adequate hiding power of the pigmented formulation, the pigment content has been chosen in the range 5–15%. Up to 15% pigment content may affect the efficiency of photoinitiator. The polymerisation efficiency (conversion and polymerisation rates) of photoinitiating systems in pigmented formulations was performed by differential scanning photocalorimetry (photo DSC) in comparison with the original systems without pigments.     

Preparation of titanium dioxide/polyacrylate nanocomposites by sol–gel process in reverse micelles and in situ photopolymerization

UV‐curable, transparent acrylic resin/titania organic–inorganic hybrid films were prepared by controlled hydrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide in Span‐85/Tween 80 reverse micelles and the subsequent in situ photopolymerization of the acrylic monomers. UV–vis spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated the presence of a nanoscale hybrid composition. The onset of absorption (λ_onset) of titania in the hybrids appeared between 363.4 and 383.5 nm, which exhibited blue shifts relative to that of bulk anatase (λ_onset = 385 nm). The titania content increased rapidly at higher temperature and higher TTB content, whereas it increased slowly with longer post‐thermal treatment times. The refractive index and UV shielding properties of the organic polymer were obviously improved with increasing titania content. AFM images showed the inorganic domains (mean size 25.3–28.8 nm) were uniformly dispersed in the polymeric networks. The roughness parameters of the hybrid material were: toughness, 1.5–2.3 nm; root mean square roughness, 4.5–4.6 nm; and peak and valley distance, 9.7–19.4 nm. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5105–5112, 2006     

Development of acrylated soybean oil‐based UV‐curable coatings with high impact strength from low viscosity oligomer

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to bio‐based materials due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness. The combination of biomass and ultraviolet (UV) curing technology can reduce the dependence on petroleum products and emissions of volatile organic compounds. In this article, a new environment‐friendly UV‐curable coating with good performances was successfully prepared from acrylated soybean oil (ACSO). ACSO was obtained at low temperature without catalyst and inhibitor by reacting soybean oil‐based polyol with acryloyl chloride and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. It was found that the UV‐curable oligomer of ACSO had lower viscosity and better ductility, compared to acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO). The properties of UV‐cured films prepared by ACSO were studied and compared with films from AESO. The results showed that the ACSO‐based films were significantly improved in the adhesion and impact resistance. Furthermore, the addition of styrene could enhance the hardness and impact resistance of films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45698.     

Compatibilization and property characterization of polycarbonate/polyurethane polymeric alloys

Semi‐crystalline dendritic poly(ether‐amide)s were synthesized by modifying hydroxyl end‐groups of dendritic poly(ether‐amide) with aromatic urethane acrylate and octadetyl isocyanate. The ratio of these modifiers can adjust the final properties of products to fulfill the requirements of UV‐curable powder coatings. These UV‐curable semi‐crystalline dendritic poly(ether‐amide)s have a T_g in the range of 41–45°C and a T_m of around 120°C. Their thermal behavior and semi‐crystalline properties were studied by DSC and XRD. The photopolymerization kinetics was investigated by Photo‐DSC. The residual unsaturation, thermal stability, and hardness of the UV‐cured films were also studied. The obtained results show that these semi‐crystalline dentritic poly(ether‐amide)s may be used as prepolymers in UV‐curable powder coating systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 287–291, 2003     

Preparation and performance on polycarbonate of B/F/Si‐containing hybrid coatings

A series of UV‐curable B/F/Si‐containing hybrid coatings was prepared by the anhydrous sol‐gel technique. The chemical structure of the coatings was characterized by FTIR, RTIR, and ¹HNMR techniques. The UV‐curable coatings were applied to polycarbonate substrates. The physical and mechanical properties of the UV‐cured coatings, such as pendulum hardness, pencil hardness, contact angle, gel content, MEK rubbing test values, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and gloss, were examined. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was done. The relative flammability of the hybrid coatings was tested by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) method. Results of all analyses conducted on the free films and coatings are discussed. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:39–46, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Curing of crust leather by ultraviolet radiation with urethane acrylate: Role of pigment

Eight different formulations were developed with four diacrylate reactive monomers such as tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate (BDDA), 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), and 2‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and aromatic urethane diacrylate (M1100) in order to modify the crust leather surface. To study the effect of pigment on the performance of ultraviolet (UV)‐cured leather surface, 1% pigment (congored) was incorporated in the formulations. Irgacure 369 (2%) was also used in the formulation as photoinitiator. The gel content, tensile strength, elongation at break, and pendulum hardness of UV‐cured thin films with and without pigment was studied. The films without pigment produced better properties. Among all the diluents, BDDA‐containing films showed the best performance. Different properties of UV‐coated leather surface such as pendulum hardness, tensile strength, elongation, gloss (at 20° and 60°), adhesion, and abrasion were studied. Effect of gloss on simulating weathering was also performed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 692–697, 2002     

A novel mono‐methacryloyloxy terminated fluorinated macromonomer used for the modification of UV curable acrylic copolymers

A novel macromonomer containing fluorinated units (PHFBMA‐GMA) was synthesized through a two‐step procedure: firstly, hexafluoro‐butyl methacrylate (HFBMA) was polymerized in the presence of functional chain transfer agent 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and then the carboxyl acid group terminated polymer was end‐capped with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Chemical structures of PHFBMA‐GMA were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Subsequently, PHFBMA‐GMA was employed as reactive surface additives added into UV‐cured polyacrylate to modify UV‐curable coatings. It is convenient to control the tail length of the fluorinated segments in this study by adjusting the ratio of initiator and chain transfer agent. The influence of both the concentration and the molecular weight of PHFBMA‐GMA on the surface properties of UV‐cured films was investigated. With increasing both the concentration and the molecular weight of PHFBMA‐GMA, the surface energy of the UV‐cured films decreased. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to characterize and quantify the surface composition and the results confirm the enrichment of fluorinate atoms on the surface. Moreover, the physical properties of UV‐cured films, such as gel content, water absorption, pencil hardness, adhesion, chemical resistance, mechanical properties, optical transmittance, and thermal properties, were also investigated in detail. The novel macromonomer was economical but effective to modify the properties of the UV‐curable coatings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43116.     

Characterization and properties of UV‐curable polyurethane‐acrylate/silica hybrid materials prepared by the sol‐gel process

UV‐curable, transparent hybrid material of urethane‐acrylate resin was prepared by the sol‐gel process using 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TMSPM) as a coupling agent between the organic and inorganic phases. The effects of the content of acid and silica on the morphology and mechanical properties of UV‐curable polyurethane‐acrylate/silica hybrid (UA‐TMSPM)/SiO₂ materials have been studied. The results of thermogravimetric analysis for the (UA‐TMSPM)/SiO₂ hybrid materials indicated that the thermal stability of the hybrids is greatly improved. It was found that with the increase of HCl content, the interfacial interaction between organic and inorganic phases had been strengthened, as demonstrated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Without sacrificing flexibility, the hybrid materials showed improved hardness with increasing content of acid and silica. Compared with the pure organic counterpart UA/hexanediol diacrylate (UA/HDDA) system, abrasion resistance of the hybrids improved with increasing acid content, at low silica content. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Allyl ether‐modified unsaturated polyesters for UV/air dual‐curable coatings. I: Synthesis and characterization of the oligomers and their cured films

Allyl ether (AE)‐modified unsaturated polyester oligomers were synthesized from polyethylene glycol (PEG), maleic anhydride (MAH), and trimethylolpropane mono allyl ether (TMPAE), and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The UV/air dual‐curable coatings were prepared from the oligomers using vinyl ether (VE) as a reactive diluent. FTIR spectra showed that C?C bonds in the coating composition had polymerized partially after cured by UV or air. The investigation of rheological behavior of the dual curable composition suggested that all the systems belonged to pseudoplastic fluid, and the increasing allyloxy content in oligomer resulted in a higher viscosity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the increasing TMPAE‐PEG molar ratio resulted in lower T_g, and all samples had the same glass transition temperature irrespective of the type of curing. The results of TGA for cured films indicated that UV‐cured film had better thermal stability than the air‐cured one. The air‐cured film showed superior pencil hardness, impact strength, and flexibility to the UV‐cured counterpart. However, the air‐cured film had poor adhesion and electric resistance properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2765–2770, 2004     

A novel UV‐curable epoxy acrylate resin containing arylene ether sulfone linkages: Preparation,characterization, and properties

UV‐curing processes are used in industrial applications because of their advantages such as high‐speed applications and solvent‐free formulations at ambient temperature. UV‐curable epoxy acrylate resins containing arylene ether sulfone linkages (EAAES) were synthesized through the condensation of bis(4‐chlorophenyl)sulphone and bisphenol‐A, followed by end‐caping of epichlorohydrin and subsequently acrylic acid. UV‐cured coatings were formulated with epoxy acrylates, reactive diluents such as pentaerythritol tri‐acrylate and pentaerythritol dia‐crylate and photoinitiator. Fourier transfer infrared, ¹H NMR, and thermal gravimetrical analysis were employed to investigate the structures and thermal properties of the EAs films. The introduction of EAAES into epoxy acrylate substantially improves its thermal properties and thermo‐oxidative stability at high temperatures. In addition, the acrylate containing arylene ether sulfone linkages can also improve pencil hardness and chemical and solvent resistance of the epoxy acrylate. The obtained UV‐curable epoxy acrylate containing arylene ether sulfone linkages is promising as oligomer for UV‐curable coatings, inks, and adhesives in some high‐tech regions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41067.     

Synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid polymeric nanocomposites for the hard coat application

An organic–inorganic hybrid polymeric nanocomposite has been synthesized for making UV‐curable hard coats. This nanocomposite consists of nano‐sized colloidal silica functionalized with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and dendritic acrylic oligomers (DAO) which have been formed earlier via a reaction of ethylenediamine (EDA) with trimethylopropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Applied as a hard coat on top of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, this nanocomposite has a short UV‐cure time and the cured coat has an enhanced thermal decomposition temperature (T_d), 89–90% transparency, increased hardness up to 3H, better adhesion up to 4B, and a flat surface with a root mean square roughness of 2–4 nm. The preparation as well as the characterization of the constituting species and the final hybrid are described in detail. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3985–3993, 2007     

Effect of CaCO3 on the performance of Partex surface modification by ultraviolet radiation curing method

Several UV‐curable formulations containing epoxydiacrylate (EB‐600) oligomer with a tri‐functional monomer, trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA), and photoinitiator Irgcure‐369 were developed to improve the surface of Partex. Filler or extender CaCO₃ was incorporated into the solution. Thin polymer films were prepared on glass plate with these formulated solutions and finally applied on polished Partex surface, and both were cured under UV‐radiation. The properties of UV‐cured thin films were studied as a function of CaCO₃ concentration. Pendulum hardness and gel content were found to decrease on glass plate with the increase of CaCO₃ concentration. Pendulum hardness, scratch hardness, and abrasion resistance of the cured Partex were found to be higher with the increase of CaCO₃ content up to 4%. Thus, the formulation containing 4% CaCO₃ showed the best performance over all formulations containing CaCO₃. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1858–1867, 2001     

Preparation of styrene‐maleic acid copolymers and its application in encapsulated pigment red 122 dispersion

Styrene‐maleic acid copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Encapsulated pigment red 122 dispersions were prepared by sedimentation with these copolymers. Effects of copolymer structure such as molar content of maleic acid, molecular weight, and the amount of copolymers on stability and particle size of dispersion were investigated. The results showed that encapsulated pigment dispersion with higher stability, smaller particle size, and narrower particle distribution could be achieved when the molar content of maleic acid was at 0.43 and the intrinsic viscosity was at 79.65 ml/g with amount of copolymers 10%. The encapsulated layer was about 5 nm which could be observed by TEM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Preparation and property of waterborne UV‐curable chain‐extended polyurethane surface sizing agent: Strengthening and waterproofing mechanism for cellulose fiber paper

Waterborne UV‐curable polyurethane (UWPU) dispersions with different hydrophilicity and functionalities were prepared by varying the content of dimethylol butanoic acid (DMBA) and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). And linear and cyclic chain extenders with different functionalities were also incorporated into the UWPU backbone, including isophorone diamine (IPDA), diethylene triamine (DETA), and ethylene diamine (EDA). Effects of DMBA content, PETA content, photoinitiator content, UV curing time, chain extender on the properties of UWPU dispersions and films, as well as the properties of the unsized and sized paper were investigated. The water resistance and mechanical properties of sized paper were greatly relied on the particle size, the molecular weight, the croslinking density, and penetrability of UWPU. UWPU dispersion chain extended with IPDA (IPDA‐UWPU) displayed smaller particle size than that of UWPU. The paper sized with IPDA‐UWPU was endowed with best water resistance, tensile strength, folding strength and surface strength. XPS depth analysis revealed that IPDA‐UWPU exhibited better penetrability into the paper substrate than UWPU. SEM and AFM demonstrated that the smoothness of sized paper was improved, and the bond strength between fibers was enhanced. The obtained UWPU could be directly used as an effective and fast drying surface sizing agent for cellulose fiber paper. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42354.     

Film formation from pigmented latex systems: Drying kinetics and bulk morphologies of ground calcium carbonate/functionalized poly(n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate) blend films

The drying kinetics and bulk morphology of pigmented latex films obtained from poly(n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate) latex particles functionalized with carboxyl groups and ground calcium carbonate blends were studied. Latex/pigment blends with higher carboxyl group coverage on the latex particle surfaces dried faster than films with few or no carboxyl groups present. The latex/pigment dispersions also dried faster when there was more stabilizer present in the blend system because of the hydrophilic nature of the stabilizer. The net effect of increasing the pigment volume concentration in the blend system was to shorten the drying time. The bulk morphologies of the freeze‐fractured surfaces of the pigmented latex films were studied with scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that increased surface coverage of carboxyl groups on the latex particles in the latex/pigment blends resulted in the formation of smaller pigment aggregates with a more uniform size distribution in the blend films. In addition, the use of smaller latex particles in the blends reduced the ground calcium carbonate pigment aggregate size in the resulting films. Scanning electron microscopy analysis also showed that when the initial stabilizer coverage on the latex particles was equal to 18%, smaller aggregates of ground calcium carbonate were distributed within the copolymer matrix of the blend films in comparison with the cases for which the initial stabilizer coverage on the latex particles was 8 or 36%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2267–2277, 2006     

Synthesis and properties of ultraviolet/moisture dual‐curable polysiloxane acrylates

Ultraviolet (UV)/moisture dual‐curable polysiloxane acrylates (PSAs) were prepared from N,N‐bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]amine (G402) and ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (EB160) through Michael addition. The obtained prepolymers were characterized by ¹H‐NMR and FTIR. The rheological behavior of the prepolymers exhibited the properties of a Bingham fluid and the apparent viscosity was directly correlated with molecular weight. The photocuring kinetics of PSA were studied using photo‐DSC and all the polymerization conversions were high. With increasing content of tertiary amine in the prepolymer, the photocuring rate in air increased as well. The moisture‐curing kinetics of the prepolymers was studied using FTIR. It was found that the curing mechanism may be described as the transforming of Si O C into Si O Si structure, which was consistent with the theoretical expectation. DSC and TGA were used to characterize the glass‐transition temperatures and the thermomechanical stability of the prepolymers. Measurements of physical properties showed excellent gloss, impact strength, and high electric resistance for both UV‐ and moisture‐cured films, but poor adhesion for UV‐cured films and lower hardness for moisture‐cured films. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 846–853, 2005