Synthesis and characterization of urethane acrylate polymers for waterproof textile coating applications

Producing VOC-free coating systems by mixing acrylates, which are reactive solvents, with acrylated oligomers in UV-curable urethane acrylate systems is possible. While these systems show very positive physical and chemical properties compared to traditional solvent-based or water-based systems, they also provide advantages with their fast and low-cost curing and being environment-friendly. In this thesis study, polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyester (PES) based polyol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA) have been used to synthesize oligomers in order to develop the applications of UV cured urethane acrylate systems in textile coatings. The resulting oligomers have been diluted with isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and formulated with photo-initiators and other additives to be coated on fabric. Films have been obtained by the formulas and coated on nylon fabric. The mechanical and physical properties of the films have been analyzed and the waterproofness of the coated fabrics have been tested. By changing the oligomer-acrylate ratio, its effects on the films have been examined and the waterproof performance of the coated fabric are compared in the same manner. The oligomers synthesized in the study were also compared with Ebecryl 8413 which is a commercial oligomer. Coated fabrics with performance similar to traditional coating methods have been obtained and coatings with commercialization potential have been achieved. The use of urethane acrylate with UV polymerization in fabric coating has been evaluated.