Synthesis of UV‐curable difunctional silane monomer based on 3‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (3‐MPTS) and its UV‐curing characteristics and thermal stability

In the present investigation, silicon containing UV‐curable difunctional monomer was synthesized by reacting 3‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (3‐MPTS) with acrylic acid using anhydrous ether as a solvent under inert atmosphere. The synthesized acryloxymethacryloxy silane monomer was characterized by FTIR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. The silane monomer along with 4 wt % photoinitiator (Darocure 1173) was cured under UV‐light for different exposure time. The curing characteristic of the monomer was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. The conversion of the double bond due to curing has been evaluated from the peak intensity of the C?C double bond (at 1636 cm^?1) in the FTIR spectrum considering the peak intensity at 1720 cm^?1 due to C?O as internal standard. The maximum double bond conversion is observed to be 72%. The optimum cure time for the silane monomer has been estimated to be 7.8 sec. The UV‐cured sample decomposes at 440°C. The char residue is 35% at 700°C. The synthesized UV‐curable silane monomer may be useful for UV‐coating formulations, for fabrication of 3D‐objects by lithographic technique and as a precursor for organic–inorganic hybrid materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010