Improved performance of dual-cured organosolv lignin-based epoxy acrylate coatings

Organosolv lignin (OL) was used to synthesize organosolv-lignin-based epoxy acrylate (OLBEA) coatings. The reaction process was determined by epoxy and acid values. OLBEA coatings were prepared by dual (Ultraviolet (UV) and thermal) curing to achieve a deep and complete process. The structures of lignin-based epoxy (OLBE) and OLBEA were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The properties of the dual- and UV-cured coatings were then compared by measuring gel content and mechanical properties. Results revealed that the dual-cured films had higher cross-linking degree and better mechanical properties than the UV-cured films. The chemical resistance of the dual-cured coatings was also examined. The properties of OLBEA coatings obtained by dual curing were shown to be excellent and promising for wide-ranging applications.