Influence of Acrylate Monomer Structure on Fracture Morphology and Microphase Separation in UV-Curable PUASi Polymers

EREN B., Taşpınar S., Balci R., Erdoğan B., Eren E.

Polymer Engineering and Science, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/pen.70123
  • Dergi Adı: Polymer Engineering and Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: hydrogen bonding, microphase separation, polyurethane acrylate, thermal stability, UV-curable coatings
  • Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, UV-curable alkoxysilane-functionalized polyurethane acrylate (PUASi) hybrid polymers were synthesized using trimethylolpropane (TMP) as the core polyol and three acrylate monomers: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA). The influence of acrylate monomer structure on the physicochemical and morphological properties of the resulting coatings was systematically investigated. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of urethane, urea, and Si-O-Si linkages, indicating the development of organic–inorganic hybrid networks. Deconvolution of the carbonyl region revealed distinct hydrogen bonding environments that strongly impacted phase morphology. DSC analysis showed that glass transition temperatures decreased in the order HEA > HEMA > HPMA, reflecting differences in hydrogen bonding strength and segmental mobility. TGA results revealed multi-step degradation profiles, with HEMA- and HEA-based polymers exhibiting greater thermal stability than HPMA-based systems. Surface property analysis indicated that HEMA-based coatings exhibited the highest gloss and smoothest morphology, while HEA and HPMA coatings had higher surface hardness and water contact angles. SEM imaging showed ductile fracture in HEMA-based films, semi-ductile fracture in HEA, and brittle fracture and a porous morphology in HPMA-based samples.