Researchers found that the modification of epoxy acrylate (EA) with a carboxyl-terminated intermediate increases the flexibility of the film and reduces the viscosity of the resin. The study also proves that the raw materials used are inexpensive and readily available.

The raw materials used are inexpensive and readily available. In addition, it is a simple synthesis process for which no organic solvents are required. Source: skyflypix - Adobe.Stock

Epoxy acrylate (EA) is currently the most widely used UV-curable oligomer due to its short curing time, high coating hardness, excellent mechanical property, and thermal stability. To address the problems of high brittleness, poor flexibility, and high viscosity of EA, the UV-curable epoxy acrylate oligomer with low viscosity and high flexibility was prepared and applied to UV-curable coatings. The carboxyl terminated intermediate obtained by the reaction of anhydride and diol was used to modify EA to improve the flexibility of cured film, and the flexibility was adjusted through the length of the carbon chain of diols.