Synthesis and properties of photocurable polyurethane acrylate for textile artificial leather

A new photocurable coating process that combines ultra violet light emitting diode (UV-LED) and deliberately synthesized photocurable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) was developed in this study. The structures of the PUA were characterized by attenuated total reflectance flourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR), porton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The structure-activity relationship of such PUA was studied by rheological measurements, photopolymerization performance, and mechanical tests. By adjusting the molecular weight and the number of functional groups in the PUA, balanced the wear resistance and flexibility of the photocured coatings were achieved. The optimal formula for photocurable coating was obtained as follows: the R-value (the molar ratio of –NCO/–OH) of PUA was 1.3, the ratio of PUA/HEA (2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) was 60 wt%/40 wt%, and the ratio of end-capped agent HEA/PETA (pentaerythritol triacrylate) was 2/1. With the optimized photocurable coating formula, textile artificial leathers were fabricated and exhibited excellent colorfastness to rubbing, and Martindale abrasion resistance and satisfied fabric handle.