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

Several UV-curable formulations containing epoxydiacrylate (EB-600) oligome r with a tri-functional monomer, trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA), a nd photoinitiator Irgcure-369 were developed to improve the surface of Part ex. Filler or extender CaCO3 was incorporated into the solution. Thin polym er films were prepared on glass plate with these formulated solutions and f inally applied on polished Partex surface, and both were cured under UV-rad iation. The properties of UV-cured thin films mere studied as a function of CaCO(3)concentration. Pendulum hardness and gel content were found to decr ease on glass plate with the increase of CaCO3 concentration. Pendulum hard ness, scratch hardness, and abrasion resistance of the cured Partex were fo und to be higher with the increase of CaCO3 content up to 4%. Thus, the for mulation containing 4% CaCO3 showed the best performance over all formulati ons containing CaCO3. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.