Ultraviolet-curable epoxy acrylate dispersions: effect of urethane acrylate anionomers on stabilizing and film properties

Abstract

 Epoxy acrylate dispersions stabilized using urethane acrylate anionomers were prepared for an application of ultraviolet (UV) curing. By observing the optical microscopy and colloidal stability for the epoxy acrylate dispersions, it was confirmed that the urethane acrylate anionomers incorporated have an interfacial activity in the interface between the epoxy acrylate oil and the water/ ethanol mixture (80/20, w/w). This was possible by the structurally designed urethane acrylate anionomers, containing a hydrophobic soft segment and two hydrophilic ionic sites in their molecules. In addition, when ultraviolet (UV)-cured, the urethane acrylate anionomers agglomerated to form the rubber domains in the epoxy acrylate film, which were induced by the ionic interaction. Consequently, this agglomerated rubber domains improved the final film properties.