UV-curable monomers and oligomers play a key role in a wide range of coatings due to their fast cure and the resulting excellent properties. With few exceptions, raw materials currently used in the manufacture of UV-curable monomers and oligomers are petroleum based. While this has been a reliable source of starting materials, the low-cost advantage for some of the petroleum-based materials for large-volume usage is a function of the current oil prices. As expected, both the availability and price can significantly vary over time. One of the largest UV-curable monomers by volume is 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA). Based on the acrylation of 1,6-Hexanediol (1,6-HDO), this monomer can be found in a wide range of coating formulations due to its moderate cost and overall good properties. As expected, the 1,6-HDO used by acrylate manufacturers is sourced from petroleum feedstocks.
There are many advantages to be able to source the key feedstock for these important resins from renewable sources, such as a minimum impact on the environment, availability and potentially competitive costs. Using technology that has been commercialized since 1942, furfural can be easily made from available biomass in large quantities and at low cost. Typical biomass feedstocks include corn stover, bagasse and wood, but primarily corncobs serve as the biomass today. However, the use of furfural as a starting material for a UV-curable acrylate monomer has been challenging so far as there has been no economically viable route to acrylates from furfural.