Synthesis of Novel UV-Curable Resin Using Castor Oil with 2-Acryloyloxyethyl Isocyanate

A novel UV-curable resin was synthesized from 2-acryloyloxyethyl isocyanate and branched Poly(lactic acid) (PLLA) using castor oil as initiator and obtained in relatively high yield (90%). Furthermore, the resin was cured by UV irradiation for 30 minutes. The obtained cured film showed elastomeric properties, because the glass transition temperature was -5 degrees C and the rubbery plateau region started around 20 degrees C, as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermal stability of the cured film was measured by TGA, weight loss started at 210 degrees C. The Young's modulus of mechanical properties was 317.9 MPa, taken from the stress-strain curve. The cured film was enzyme-degradable (max. 8.4%, 30 days) by porcine pancreas lipase. The SEM micrographs of the degradation cured film showed a number of holes on the film surface.