Acrylic copolymer coatings for protection against UV rays

This paper summarizes the basic properties of new acrylic copolymers with UV-absorbing groups (derivates of benzotriazole) bonded in macromolecular chains. These polymers are highly suitable as a material for UV protective coating of artifacts sensitive to natural and/or artificial UV light. Diane type epoxy resin was used as a test organic material with very low resistance to UV radiation. The behavior of new copolymers was compared with the UV protecting ability of Paraloid B72. Based on obtained results, we have chosen the copolymer whose properties were most similar to those of Paraloid B72, but whose protective ability is superior. This copolymer is now commercially available.