Novel approach to convert non-self drying palm stearin alkyds into environmental friendly UV curable resins

UV curable coating is a form of green technology that reduces or eliminates completely the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and is in line with the current global call in preserving nature. The objective of this project is to produce UV curable resins from non-self drying palm stearin alkyds by the incorporation of maleic anhydride (MAH) which could introduce more unsaturation into the main chains of alkyds. Four alkyds with different level of unsaturation were prepared and the successful incorporation of MAH was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR analyses. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was used as the reactive diluents, and benzophenone as the UV-photoinitiator. The UV-cured coatings were tested using standard methods adopted from ASTM, and results showed that coatings of maleated alkyds exhibited good film properties. This novel approach has succeeded in converting a non-self drying palm stearin alkyd into UV-curable resins.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Non self-drying palm stearin alkyds converted into UV curable resins.
► Incorporation of maleic anhydride to increase the amounts of unsaturation.
► Shorten curing time.
► Improved film properties.