Influence of hydrogen bonding interactions on the properties of ultraviolet-curable coatings

Phenolic novolac type epoxy resin has been modified with acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) to form ultraviolet-curable coatings, and integrated performances of the coatings were evaluated. It was found that the hydrogen bonding interactions among the oligomers became stronger along with the increase of AMPS content, thus the oligomer viscosity and a variety of polymer properties were affected. The polar hydrogen bond donors significantly enhanced the adhesion strength and surface wetting behavior of the coatings. Meanwhile, hydrogen bonding interactions can also reinforce the three-dimensional structure of the film as in polymeric state, which potentially increased its glass transition temperature and mechanical properties. Results of chemical resistance showed that coatings modified with moderate amount of AMPS could be completely removed in several minutes when exposed to alkali solution or anhydrous ethanol. With these attractive features, modified films had prospective applications in temporary protective coatings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.