Novel Furfuryl Alcohol-Based Photopolymerizable Resin for Multifunctional CeO2 Nanocomposite Coatings

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from conventional polymer coatings due to solvent usage continue to pose environmental and health concerns, prompting the development of more sustainable alternatives. UV-curable resin systems offer a promising, solvent-free solution, yet their adoption is often limited by inadequate thermal stability, chemical resistance, and hydrophobicity, especially in demanding service environments. In this work, a novel biobased UV-curable resin incorporating cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles was engineered to overcome these limitations and enhance overall performance. The resin matrix was synthesized using furfuryl alcohol, a renewable monomer, reacted with toluene diisocyanate (TDI) to form a durable urethane backbone. Subsequent modification with ethylenediamine and formaldehyde introduced the cross-linked amine/imine networks that strengthened the structural and chemical robustness of the system. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was further grafted through epoxy–amine reactions, enabling rapid UV-initiated polymerization via newly introduced methacrylate groups. Incorporation of CeO2 NPs (0.1–0.2 wt %) significantly improved the mechanical hardness, hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. XRD results revealed an amorphous–crystalline hybrid structure, while DSC and TGA demonstrated improved thermal behavior, with a glass transition temperature exceeding 64 °C and decomposition onset above 320 °C. Contact angle values over 107° indicated notable surface hydrophobicity, and the coatings showed excellent resistance toward acidic and alkaline media. Overall, this bioderived CeO2-reinforced UV-curable resin provides a high-performance, solvent-free coating platform suitable for industrial and protective applications requiring durability, sustainability, and environmental safety.