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

Epoxy acrylate dispersions stabilized using urethane acrylate anionomers we re prepared for an application of ultraviolet (UV) curing. By observing the optical microscopy and colloidal stability for the epoxy acrylate dispersi ons, it was confirmed that the urethane acrylate anionomers incorporated ha ve 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 struct urally designed urethane acrylate anionomers, containing a hydrophobic soft segment and two hydrophilic ionic sites in their molecules. In addition, w hen ultraviolet (UV)-cured, the urethane acrylate anionomers agglomerated t o form the rubber domains in the epoxy acrylate film;which were induced by the ionic interaction. Consequently, this agglomerated rubber domains impro ved the final film properties.