Urethane Methacrylate Composition for Tougher, More Durable Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing urethane (meth)acrylates, particularly those based on polycaprolactone-diol initiated with diethylene glycol, lack durability and surface toughness, limiting their use in applications requiring higher elongation properties.

Innovation Solution

A urethane (meth)acrylate is synthesized through the reaction of caprolactone-diol derived from caprolactone and dipropylene glycol, polyisocyanate, preferably cycloaliphatic diisocyanate, and hydroxy-functional (meth)acrylate, such as hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, to enhance durability and surface toughness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If commercially available urethane (meth)acrylates based on polycaprolactone-diol initiated with diethylene glycol are used, then the material can be processed easily, but the durability and surface toughness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of processingVSAvoiddurability and surface toughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polyol component by using caprolactone-diol initiated with dipropylene glycol instead of diethylene glycol. This parameter change in the initiator structure leads to improved crosslinking density and network structure in the cured urethane (meth)acrylate, thereby enhancing durability and surface toughness while maintaining processability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite molecular structure by combining caprolactone-diol units with dipropylene glycol initiator and polyisocyanate. This composite polyol structure provides both the flexibility needed for processing and the enhanced mechanical properties for durability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If materials with higher elongation properties are required, then the flexibility and extendability improve, but the surface toughness and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelongation propertiesVSAvoidsurface toughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different structural regions within the urethane (meth)acrylate network. The caprolactone-diol segments provide flexibility and elongation, while the dipropylene glycol-initiated structure creates denser crosslinking zones that provide surface toughness. This spatial differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between elongation and surface toughness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the polyol structure is modified to improve durability, then the surface toughness increases, but the complexity of the synthesis process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface toughnessVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-synthesizing the caprolactone-diol with dipropylene glycol initiation before the final urethane (meth)acrylate formation. This pre-prepared polyol structure ensures the desired molecular architecture and crosslinking potential are already established, simplifying the final synthesis step while maintaining the durability benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting urethane (meth)acrylate formulations exhibit improved resistance to deformation, wear, and surface indentation, demonstrating higher hardness compared to commercial alternatives.

Implementation Method 1

caprolactone-diol resulting from the reaction of caprolactone and dipropylene glycol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRing-opening polymerization:

Implementation Method 2

urethane (meth)acrylate results from the reaction of: at least one caprolactone-diol, at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one hydroxy-functional (meth)acrylate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUrethane formation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

exposing the curable composition to radiation such UV, near-UV, visible, infrared, near-infrared and/or electron beam radiation or heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4700056A1Urethane (METH)acrylate

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a urethane (meth)acrylate, resulting from the reaction of at least one caprolactone-diol obtained from the reaction of caprolactone and dipropylene glycol, at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one hydroxy-functional (meth)acrylate. The present invention also relates to curable composition comprising such urethane (meth)acrylate, as well as the use of the curable compositions as coating compositions, sealant compositions, molding compositions, dental compositions, composite material compositions or 3D printing compositions.