Preparation of UV-curable emulsions using PEG-modified urethane acrylates: The effect of nonionic and anionic groups

To prepare self-emulsificable urethane acrylate resin, PEG-modified urethane acrylates (PMUA), containing polyoxyethylene chains as a terminal hydrophilic group and urethane acrylate anionomers (UAA) incorporated dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) as a pendant hydrophilic one were synthesized. For PMUA emulsions, the reaction molar ratio of PEG to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) significantly influenced the viscosity and droplet size of the emulsion and tensile strength of cured films. These emulsions were stable to pH change and the addition of electrolyte, but coagulated around 60 degrees C. In the case of UAA, emulsions, however, were very stable to elevated temperatures and coagulated in adding even a little bit of electrolyte. For soap-free emulsions of the mixture of PMUA and UAA, emulsion stabilities of these mixtures against temperature, pH change, the addition of electrolyte, and the rate of shear and freeze-thaw increased synergetically. Additionally, the tensile strength of cured films was also improved. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.