UV curable coatings with mesogenic side groups

Copolymers having liquid crystalline (LC) side groups were prepared by ultraviolet (UV) photo-polymerization of acrylic monomers with mesogenic groups, acrylic monomers, and acrylic oligomers. These copolymers were evaluated as coatings on metal substrates in view of enhancement of film hardness and flexibility. A non-LC copolymer, i.e., a copolymer without mesogenic units, was used as control. Extraordinary balances of elongation and hardness have been obtained from the coatings consisting of copolymers with an LC side group.