Synthesis and interfacial properties of aminosilane derivative of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil

In this study silanized acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (silanized‐AESO), a multifunctional monomer, was synthesized by reacting acrylated epoxidized soybean oil with 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane via a Michael addition reaction using less than equivalent amount of the silane. The characterization of silanized‐AESO was done by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Free radically initiated homopolymer of silanized‐AESO was synthesized by using the residual acrylate groups. The silanized‐AESO homopolymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy. The interfacial adhesion of the polymer on glass surface before and after moisture cure was measured according to ASTM D 4541 Pull‐Off Adhesion Test. After moisture curing process, an approximate of eightfold improvement was observed in the adhesion strength. Prolonged exposure to 92% humidity for 48 h caused to approximately 15% decrease in the adhesion strength. Silanized‐AESO was copolymerized with styrene in 1 : 1 weight ratio via radical polymerization. The effect of increased crosslink density upon moisture cure on the mechanical and physical properties of silanized‐AESO‐styrene copolymer was analyzed by DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis), swelling, and surface hardness tests. Upon moisture cure 35% improvement was observed in the storage modulus because of the increase in the crosslink density. According to tan δ curves and surface hardness tests, silanized‐AESO‐styrene copolymer shows heterogeneous morphology in crosslinked areas.