Synthesis and characterization of dual-curable epoxyacrylates for polyester cord/rubber applications

In this study, bisphenol-A-based acrylated epoxy oligomers were prepared and utilized to improve the adhesion strength of polyester cords onto rubber. The structure of the oligomers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Ultraviolet-curable adhesive formulations were prepared by using acrylated epoxy oligomers and applied onto the polyester cord fabric by a dip-coating method and irradiated. Ultraviolet-cured coatings were characterized by thermal and scanning electron microscope analysis, contact angle measurements. In the second stage of the experiment, ultraviolet-cured polyester cords were adhered onto rubber under heat and pressure. The prepared adhesive formulation was expected to improve the adhesion strength. The adhesion strength of the coated material was evaluated by using peel test as a function of the carboxyl/epoxide ratio. The adhesion strength of 18.0 N/cm was obtained when the carboxyl/epoxide ratio was set as 1. It was observed that peel strength, contact angle, and surface energy values of acrylated epoxies strongly depend on the acrylic acid content of the oligomer.