Preparation of Epoxy Acrylate Photocurable Resins


There are various methods for preparing epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins, each with its own unique advantages and suitable application conditions. By selecting the appropriate preparation method and process parameters, it is possible to produce epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins with different properties and applications. The main preparation methods include direct esterification, transesterification, and ring-opening esterification.

I. Preparation Method

There are various methods for preparing epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins, typically including direct esterification, transesterification, and ring-opening esterification.

1. Direct Esterification Method

The direct esterification method involves directly esterifying epoxy resin with acrylate monomers in the presence of a catalyst to produce epoxy-acrylate-based photocurable resins. This method features mild reaction conditions and simple operation; however, during the reaction, it is crucial to strictly control both the reaction temperature and the amount of catalyst used to prevent side reactions from occurring.

2. Transesterification method

The transesterification method involves reacting an epoxy resin with a hydroxyl-containing acrylate monomer in the presence of a catalyst to produce epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins. This method features a relatively fast reaction rate; however, it requires the use of a catalyst, and side products may be generated during the reaction, necessitating subsequent processing.

3. Open-loop esterification method

The ring-opening esterification method involves reacting the epoxy groups in epoxy resins with the carboxyl groups in acrylate monomers via a ring-opening esterification reaction, thereby producing epoxy-acrylate-type photocurable resins. This method requires relatively stringent reaction conditions, including high reaction temperatures and pressures; however, the resulting product boasts high purity and stable performance.

II. Specific Methods

1. Preparation method of bisphenol A epoxy acrylate

Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate is obtained by reacting bisphenol A with epichlorohydrin. There are two main methods for its preparation:

(1) Direct Condensation Method: Bisphenol A and an excess of propylene oxide are subjected to a condensation reaction in the presence of an alkaline catalyst to yield an intermediate product. Subsequently, a suitable amount of acrylic acid is added to initiate ring-opening polymerization, thereby producing bisphenol A epoxy acrylate. This method features a simple process, but the reaction conditions are relatively stringent, requiring strict control of temperature and the amount of catalyst used.

(2) Prepolymer Method: First, bisphenol A and a small amount of propylene oxide are condensed in the presence of an alkaline catalyst to obtain a prepolymer. Then, an appropriate amount of propylene oxide and acrylic acid are added, and ring-opening polymerization is carried out to produce bisphenol A epoxy acrylate. This method allows the properties of the final product to be adjusted by controlling the molecular weight of the prepolymer.

2. Preparation method of phenolic epoxy acrylate

First, you’ll need to prepare phenolic epoxy resin, organic dicarboxylic acids, acrylic monomers, acrylate monomers, and other possible additives or catalysts.

Under nitrogen protection and mechanical stirring, phenolic epoxy resins with different epoxy equivalents and other minor ingredients are introduced into a reaction vessel. Measured amounts of organic dicarboxylic acids are added in batches within a specified temperature range, and the mixture is heated to initiate the reaction, yielding modified epoxy resins with terminal epoxy groups.

Add a measured amount of acrylic monomer to the modified epoxy resin with terminal epoxy groups that has been obtained. Add the acrylic monomer dropwise at a specified temperature and maintain the temperature for a certain period to obtain a toughened, modified epoxy acrylate. Then, add different types of measured acrylic monomers to the resulting toughened, modified epoxy acrylate. By adjusting the types and amounts of acrylic monomers, phenolic epoxy acrylates with varying viscosities and flexibilities can be produced.

3. Preparation method of epoxy oil acrylate

First, you need to prepare a vegetable oil or fatty acid as the starting material. Commonly used vegetable oils include linseed oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and rapeseed oil, all of which contain abundant double bonds and are readily susceptible to epoxidation. At the same time, you’ll also need to prepare an epoxidizing agent and acrylic acid or its derivatives as reactants.

React vegetable oils or fatty acids with an epoxidizing agent (such as peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) at an appropriate temperature and pressure. During the reaction, the epoxidizing agent attacks the double bonds in the molecules of vegetable oils or fatty acids, forming epoxy groups and yielding epoxidized oils.

In the esterification reaction, it is necessary to select an appropriate catalyst (such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid) to accelerate the reaction process. The resulting epoxidized oil is then subjected to an esterification reaction with acrylic acid or its derivatives in the presence of a catalyst. During the esterification reaction, the epoxy groups in the epoxidized oil molecules react with the carboxyl groups in acrylic acid or its derivatives, forming acrylate groups.

III. Conclusion

There are various methods for preparing epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins, and each method has its own unique advantages and applicable conditions. By selecting an appropriate preparation method and process parameters, it is possible to produce epoxy acrylate-based photocurable resins with different properties and applications.

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