Synthesis of acrylated ethylcellulose for UV-curing ink

A modified synthesis of acrylated ethylcellulose was developed. Ethylcellulose reacts with acryloylchloride in anhydrous conditions producing ethylcellulose derivative with UV-reactive acrylate groups. FTIR spectroscopy was used to study the products. The UV-curable (polymerizable) formulations studied here were mixtures of ethylcellulose acrylate, solvents and photo-initiators. Rheological measurements were used to verify the cross-linking reaction and the viscosity behaviour of the system resulting from UV irradiation. The acrylated ethylcellulose was utilized as an UV-curable ink binder component in conductive ceramic inks to control the inkʹs viscosity and the ink transfer printing process.