Towards Biobased, Low-Voc Uv-Coatings Using Terpene-Based Acrylates

Abstract

Terpene-based acrylic monomers offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for common acrylic monomers. Using them for high solid UV coating systems allows for the significant reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These bio-based acrylates can be used to modulate the glass transition temperature (Tg), enabling them to match or even surpass the performance of petrochemical monomers like styrene and methyl methacrylate. Novel monoterpene copolymers synthesized with limonene-based acrylates and a nopol-based methacrylate demonstrated excellent curing performance, thermal stability, and solvent resistance, with VOC emissions reduced by up to 98%. The storage modulus and the loss modulus of the respective homopolymers of the limonene-based monomers were analyzed by DMA measurements. The results showed that these give very hard polymers with a slight degree of cross-linking. These findings highlight the potential of terpene-based acrylates as versatile, high-performance, and sustainable substitutes for fossil-based monomers in UV-coating systems.

Keywords: biobased acrylates, terpenes, limonene, functional monomers, waste raw material