A recent study has developed a new UV-curable reactive diluent by combining biobased adipic acid with diethanolamine and further processing it with glycidyl methacrylate. The researchers also created a biobased oligomer using epoxidized castor oil and acrylic acid.
The team prepared various formulations by mixing the new diluent with the oligomer and applying them to wooden surfaces. They tested how different amounts of the reactive diluent (10% to 40% by weight) affected the viscosity of the mixtures.
The performance of the UV-cured coatings was evaluated for curing efficiency, bio-content, and resistance to acids, bases, and boiling water. Thermal tests showed that the coating with 40% reactive diluent achieved a gloss level of 86 at 60°, hardness of 5H, and good adhesion of 5B.
It also had a glass transition temperature of 81.27 °C and a decomposition temperature of 454 °C. Importantly, the coatings displayed excellent resistance to stains.
The study was published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 22, Issue 1, January 2025.
