Preparation and properties of UV-curable acrylate compositions containing silicon

Some di- and triacrylates were subjected to Michael addition reaction with N-cyclohexyl-gamma-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane (CAMS). FT-IR method has been used to follow the course of the reaction of -NH group in CAMS with double bond in an acrylate. Post-reaction mixtures obtained underwent UV-curing in the presence of a photoinitiator (2-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-1-phenylethane-1-one, trade name "Darocur 1173") and formed thin films on the glass or plastic substrate. Dependence of the thermal stability of cured material on its initial composition was characterized using thermogravimetric method. There were determined the effects of non-reacted acrylic groups' part in the post-reaction mixture as well as of irradiation time (crosslinking degree) on hardness and brittleness of the coatings cured. Silicon atoms presence in the compositions improves their elasticity but deteriorates thermal stability.