Low gloss and anti-fingerprint properties of self-wrinkling UV cured polyurethane acrylate wood coatings

Objective The wrinkled structures are widely present in nature and our daily lives. Inspired by these natural structures, the artificial wrinkled structures on the material surfaces were prepared with a series of special properties such as low gloss and anti-fingerprint. To further explore the application of wrinkled structures on wood product coatings, the effects of wrinkles on the macroscopic properties were systematically explained from the changes of wavelength and amplitude on the wrinkled structures.

Method A self-wrinkling polyurethane acrylate coating applied to the surface of wood products was prepared through the treatment of LED/excimer lamp/mercury lamp curing system. The irradiation energy in the curing system was adjusted to achieve controllable glossiness and fingerprint resistance of the coating.

Result When the irradiation energy of LED lamp/excimer lamp/UV mercury lamp was 200, 15 and 300 mJ/cm², respectively, the gloss value of the coating at 85° was 5.2. In addition, the coating samples had good anti-fingerprint performance, and the surface fingerprints can disappear within 30 seconds. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the coating have also been improved with a minimum wear loss of 0.05 g/100 r, an increase in hardness from H to 4H, and an increase in adhesion from level 2 to level 0. Besides, due to the presence of self-wrinkling surfaces, the coating surfaces had good resistance to yellowing.

Conclusion By adjusting the irradiation energy, the wavelength and amplitude of the self-wrinkling structures can be changed. The surface structures of polyurethane acrylate coatings can be easily and efficiently regulated on a large scale. The wrinkled surfaces endow the coating with low gloss and anti-fingerprint performance, while improving the mechanical properties of the coating.