For sustainable development, UV-cure systems must reduce their dependence on petrochemical feedstock. Our research has focused on development of vegetable oil-derived UV-curable oligomers. A novel family of oligomers containing > 70% bio-based content has been developed for both cationic and free-radical UV-cure applications. Specifically, these soybean oil-based oligomers have acrylate or oxirane, and/or silane functionality, with controlled molecular architecture. Using unique dual -cure chemistry, organic-inorganic hybrid nano-composite coatings have been developed with remarkable performance. Effect of functional group type and content, cure conditions and formulation parameters on the characteristics of these UV-cured hybrid films will be discussed. The study demonstrates successful incorporation of bio-based materials in advanced UV-cure coatings - a step toward reducing their environmental foot print.
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