Influence of Reactive Diluent on UV-curing of Acrylate Terminated Hyperbranched Polymers

A Aeries of hydroxylic hyperbranched polymers were derived from 2,2-bis(methylol) propionic acid and tris(methylol) propane reacted with acrylic acid to various extents. The obtained acrylated hyperbranched polymers alone or with a monofunctional diluent, isobornylene acrylate(IBOA) were further cured by UV radiation. The cured films based on the modified polymers alone all demonstrated poor mechanical properties due to their high network densities and low moving ability of polymer chains. For the composite systems, the cured films demonstrated improved mechanical properties due to the low network densities and high chain moving ability. With more IBOA included in the systems, acrylate groups can react to a higher extent during the curing process.