Photocured characteristics of fast photocurable acrylic formulations and investigations by differential photo calorimeter

Bisphenol-A glycerolate diacrylate has been synthesized, characterized and formulated with acrylate monomers. Photocrosslinking characteristics of UV-curable acrylate monomers were investigated with the help of differential photocalorimeter equipped with UV radiometer using UV radiation of 365 nm at an intensity of 10 mWcm −2 . The heat of photoreaction, curing rate and degree of conversion were studied using theoretical kinetic equations to investigate the effect of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate on photocuring behaviour of bisphenol-A glycerolate diacrylate, acrylic acid and methyl methacrylate. Curing rate reached its maximum value within 7.5 s, and more than 70% monomers were photopolymerized in all the formulations. Enthalpy of photopolymerization was found in the range of − 206 to − 171 J g −1 , and maximum degree of conversion attained was 82–84% within a time span of 25 s. A comparison of DPC curves reveals that 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate has no significant effect on the curing rate of photopolymerization, however, a small decrease in degree of conversion was observed. Further, FTIR quantification of C=C bond conversion was performed in order to estimate the degree of conversion after 25 s. Specific gravity and mechanical properties of the casted films have also been reported. Glass transition temperatures were also recorded with the help of DSC, and a remarkable shift from 40.52 to 23.48 °C was observed imparting flexibility to the UV-cured compositions. The developed photocurable acrylic formulations have been used for preparation of laminated glasses which were analysed for fracture and adhesion test.