Developing sustainable alternatives to replace conventional fossil-based resin systems without compromising material performance remains one of the most critical challenges within the coating industry. To address this issue, the research team has formulated three novel ultraviolet (UV)-curable coating systems. Derived from epoxidized soybean oil acrylate (AESO) and isobornyl (meth)acrylate (IBOMA/IBOA), these coatings feature a bio-based content of up to 82%, alongside broadly tunable mechanical and tribological properties to accommodate diverse industrial requirements.
All three coating samples were applied onto AISI 1015 carbon steel substrates and comprehensively characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), adhesion testing, wettability measurement, and tribological evaluation. The experimental results revealed an optical transmittance exceeding 92% across the visible wavelength range of 420–700 nm, demonstrating outstanding optical clarity for high-transparency coating applications.
Supplementary Reading: Light Stabilizers for Coatings
Readers can refer to the professional publication Light Stabilizers for Coatings to understand the essential functions of light stabilizers in preserving surface appearance and extending the service life of outdoor coatings. This book elaborates on the chemical characteristics, working mechanisms, and industrial applications of light stabilizers. Serving as essential additives for coatings exposed to outdoor conditions and ultraviolet radiation, these materials effectively mitigate common degradation issues, including aging, yellowing, cracking, and delamination.
Tunable Mechanical Behaviors: Transition from Rigidity to Ductility
The mechanical performances of the developed coatings were precisely regulated by adjusting the mass ratio between AESO and isobornyl (meth)acrylate. Within the experimental scope, the Young’s modulus ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 GPa, while the elongation at break varied from 3.7% to 8.6%. This controllable transition enables the fabrication of rigid protective coatings as well as flexible and ductile thin films. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature of the coating systems spanned from 22 °C to 71 °C, verifying exceptional formulation flexibility for versatile industrial scenarios.
In terms of wear resistance, all three coatings maintained intact structural integrity under progressive abrasive loads up to 20 N. The formulation with the highest AESO content exhibited the optimal overall performance. Its flexible cross-linked network significantly enhanced interfacial adhesion with steel substrates. Compared with rigid counterparts in the same series, the optimized coating achieved a 45% reduction in wear rate, and no substrate exposure was observed during dry sliding friction tests, proving superior wear protection capability.
Technical Implications: A Sustainable Route toward High-Performance Functional Coatings
This study validated that bio-based UV-curable resin systems can integrate tunable mechanical properties, high optical transparency, and reliable tribological stability, delivering comprehensive performances comparable to conventional fossil resin-based coatings. The proposed strategy combines the inherent elasticity of vegetable oil-derived acrylates with rigid bio-based comonomers to realize synergistic property optimization. This practical and scalable solution empowers formulators to develop customized, high-performance, eco-friendly coating materials for modern industrial sectors.
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