Evaluation of the oligomeric epoxy silane as coupling agent on thermal and mechanical properties of water‐based acrylate adhesives

Abstract

AbstractTo improve the thermal and mechanical properties of water‐based acrylate adhesives, epoxy functional silane oligomer (EFS) was investigated as a crosslinking agent at different curing temperatures from 100 to 140°C. Water‐based acrylate adhesives with different EFS concentrations (0.0–2.0 wt%) were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), colloidal stability, water absorption, mechanical and thermal properties. The thermal and mechanical properties of samples were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile testing, Izod impact, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The amount of EFS had a significant influence on the crosslinking process and curing temperature. FT‐IR and TGA analysis revealed successful crosslinking of EFS with the water‐based acrylate adhesive at 100°C temperature. The use of EFS after different curing processes showed higher tensile strength and lower water absorption. Among the percentage of EPS studied, the use of 1.0 wt% presented the most promising results for the improvement thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, the results obtained in this study provide new insights into the use of EFS as a coupling agent of water‐based acrylate adhesives for wood‐fiber composites, as well as in the particleboard panels industry.