Modification of polyacrylate resin to prepare water‐soluble poly‐epoxy‐acrylate resin for its application as an automotive oil filter paper binder

Abstract In this work, poly‐epoxy‐acrylate (PEA) resin was prepared by modifying polyacrylate resin with epoxy resin through a simple solution polymerization method. The prepared PEA resin was then neutralized by alkaline treatment to obtain excellent water solubility and used as an ecofriendly binder for automotive oil filter paper. The effect of alkaline neutralization degree on the water solubility of the PEA resin was studied. Also, the influence of epoxy content on the grafting degree of PEA resin was tested. The mechanical strength and oil resistance properties of oil filter paper strengthened by the prepared PEA resin were compared to other commercial binders. The microstructure and pore size of the oil filter paper were observed by scanning electron microscope and tested by capillary flow porometer (PMI), respectively. The results show that the prepared PEA resin can greatly enhance the mechanical and oil resistance properties of the oil filter paper while maintaining its filtration properties. The prepared PEA resin has the potential to be used as an ecofriendly water‐based binder for automotive oil filter paper.