Cross-Linking of Biobased Monofunctional Furan Epoxy Monomer by Two Steps Process, UV Irradiation and Thermal Treatment

Abstract

Among the new generation of green polymers, furan monomers are occupying a strategic role to produce both innovative biobased thermoplastic and thermoset. Herein, furfuryl glycidyl ether (FGE) is used as monomer to design two steps cured coating. Linear polymer chains are first produced by means of cationic UV technique. The UV reactivity of FGE is assessed by real-time Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, a thermal treatment is carried out to crosslink the UV-irradiated linear chains. The formation of cross-links is proven by means of different techniques. ATR-FTIR shows the development of new chemical bonds by the appearance of new bands. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirms the cross-link reaction by the presence of exothermic peaks and the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis reveals an increase of the Tg as direct consequence of cross-links formation. Moreover, the %gel analysis confirms the formation of highly insoluble fraction after the cross-linking.