Facile one-pot synthesis and characterization of castor oil-based acrylate oligomer for UV curable wood coating

Abstract

Purpose For the sake of sustainable development and environmental preservation, it is crucial to develop UV-curable coatings composed of renewable resources. Castor oil, being both bio-based and economical, serves as the focal point of this research paper. The purpose of this research paper is to synthesize, formulate and apply a UV-curable biobased oligomer ECOSAGMA as a wood coating, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation. Castor oil, being both bio-based and economical, serves as the focal point of this research paper. Design/methodology/approach ECOSAGMA was prepared by reacting epoxidized castor oil with sebacic acid, followed by reaction with glycidyl methacrylate through ring opening reaction. The chemical structure of ECOSAGMA was confirmed by Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized oligomer was used for UV-curable coating formulations by combining it with varying amounts of TMPTA from 10 to 40 wt.% and studied for their rheological properties. The UV curable formulations were co-photopolymerized into thin coatings and were thoroughly examined based on thermal, chemical and mechanical properties. Findings The UV-cured coating containing ECOSAGMA and TMPTA exhibits exceptional mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, underscoring their potential for deployment in real-world application. It is observed that an increase in the concentration of TMPTA is associated with a notable enhancement in the properties of the UV-cured coatings. The UV-cured wood coating, composed of 40 wt.% TMPTA, demonstrates remarkable stain resistance properties. Originality/value In conclusion, by embracing eco-friendly and economically conscious principles., it is evident that this synthesized novel castor oil-based oligomer offers a range of valuable properties to the coating such as stain resistance and thermal stability as well as characteristics such as gloss, hardness, adhesion and chemical resistance.