Synthesis of water‐reducible acrylic–alkyd resins based on modified palm oil

Water‐reducible acrylic–alkyd resins were synthesized from the reaction between monoglycerides prepared from modified palm oil and carboxy‐functional acrylic copolymer followed by neutralization of carboxyl groups with diethanolamine. Modified palm oil was produced by interesterification of palm oil with tung oil at a weight ratio of 1 : 1, using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst, whereas carboxy‐functional acrylic copolymer was prepared by radical copolymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate and maleic anhydride. The amount of acrylic copolymer used was from 15 to 40% by weight, and it was found that homogeneous resins was obtained when the copolymer content was 20–35 wt %. All of the prepared water‐reducible acrylic–alkyd resins were yellowish viscous liquids. Their films were dried by baking at 190°C and their properties were determined. These films showed excellent water and acid resistance and good alkali resistance.