Characterization of Coating Properties of UV-curable Fluorine-Containing Coatings

Abstract

In this study, fluorine chains were bonded with covalently in epoxy acrylate system via UV light. For this purpose, five different coating samples prepared. Bisphenol-A glycerolate diacrylate (epoxy acrylate) and 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate were used as the main coating solution. The weight ratio of Bisphenol-A glycerolate diacrylate and HDDA was determined as 7/3. As a long fluorine chain, 1H,1H,2H,2Hperfluorodecyl acrylate (PFOA) was added into the main coating solution in the ratios of 0.25 wt %, 0.50 wt %, 0.75 wt % and 1 wt %. All prepared solutions were coated on aluminum plates by 75 µm by wire wound applicator and then cured via UV dryer. Physical properties of coatings were measured by tests such as MEK rubbing test for solvent resistance, gloss 60o test for brightness, cross-cut test for adhesion property and pencil hardness test for scratch resistance. Hydrophobicity was measured as static water contact angle test. The total surface energy was calculated by contact angle measurement software. In terms of mechanical properties, sheen impact test (for coating samples) and Shore - D hardness tests (for free film samples) were carried out. By examining the results of all these tests; cross-cut adhesion and gloss 60o values decrease with the fluorine content. On the other hand, by the increasing within the content of the fluorine chains, Taber abrasion resistance and hydrophobicity increase significantly but sheen impact resistance and Shore - D hardness values decrease slightly. In terms of cost and overall results, the most proper and multifunctional coating seemed at 0.25 wt %.