Synthesis and characteristics of cardanol-based acrylates as reactive diluents in UV-curing coatings

Two types of cardanol epoxy acrylates (CAR1 and CAR2) were synthesized from bio-based cardanol and used as a reactive diluent. Their dilution effect, curing properties, and thermal and physical properties of UV-cured films as a reactive diluent were compared to those of commercial reactive diluent, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate (PHEA). CAR series showed a lower dilution effect due to their relatively high viscosity compared to PHEA. However, 10 wt% CAR-diluted films showed similar reactivity and high thermal stability compared to 10 wt% PHEA diluted film, indicating CAR series can be used as partial alternatives to PHEA.