Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Dual UV/Thermal Curable Epoxy Rosinate

Rosin is used in adhesives, printing inks, protective coatings, rubbers and pharmaceutical applications. In this research, novel dual UV/thermal curable epoxy rosinate was synthesized by esterification of epoxy resin and purified rosin. Synthesized product was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy techniques and acid value. UV curable resin was formulated by benzophenone as photoinitiator, dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) as catalyst, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and hydroxylethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as reactive diluents. Ingredients in formulation of UV/thermal curable epoxy rosinate have been balanced for achieving the best properties. Thermal behaviors of cured film were characterized by TGA and DSC. Film properties such as hardness, impact resistance, adhesion, gloss, flexibility, solvent rub resistance and gel fraction have also been evaluated after UV/ Thermal dual curing.