Decoding the Influence of Monomers on the Performance Properties of Oligomers
As expected, test results revealed that higher functionality monomers yield better surface cure rates regardless of the oligomer tested. The lowest functionality oligomer tested did not cure well even at 5 meters per minute, regardless of the monomer. The 3-mole ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate yielded the fastest cure rates out of all monomers tested, regardless of the oligomer because ethoxylation helps to overcome surface oxygen inhibition. The di-trimethylolpropane tetraacrylate and TMPTA also yield fast cure speeds; although their effectiveness varies with the oligomer.
The tripropylene glycol diacrylate slightly outperforms the propoxylated neopentyl glycol diacrylate in cure speed. Both difunctional monomers have oxygen groups in the backbone to help overcome surface cure inhibition from the presence of oxygen.