[0001] The present invention relates in general to polymers, and more specifically, to epoxy -urethane thermosetting compositions made from acrylate-functional carbamates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] High performance paint and coating systems are needed for many applications ranging from aircraft, ships, chemical plants, flooring, bridges, and many others. Although there are many coatings binder systems available, the two most prominent are epoxy coatings and polyurethane coatings.

[0003] Epoxy resin systems are often used as primers because they provide good adhesion to most substrates and provide a barrier for anticorrosion. A typical epoxy system involves a bisphenol-A (BPA) based epoxy resin that is cured with a multifunctional amine curing agent. Typically, liquid BPA epoxy resins are used such as EPON 828 (Hexion) or DER 331 (Olin Chemicals). Amine curing agents can be simple compounds such as bis(p- amino cyclohexyl) methane (PACM), isophorone diamine (IPDA) or more complex amine compounds such as polyamide resins, polyamidoamine resins, polyphenalkamine resins, or epoxy resin adducts. Because the reactions between the amine curing agent and the epoxy resin start as soon as the two ingredients are mixed, these materials are provided separately as two-component systems (2K) and are mixed just prior to application. The time after mixing the components during which the coating can still be applied is known as the “pot life.” Sometimes the pot life is defined as the time for the viscosity to double; however, the pot life for any given coating system is that time where the viscosity is suitable for application. More information about epoxy resin technology can be found in various reference materials including B. Ellis, ed., “Chemistry and Technology of Epoxy Resins”, Springer Science, 1993; H. Panda, “Epoxy Resins Technology Handbook”, 2 ^nd Revised Edition, Asia Pacific Business Press, 2019; C. May, “Epoxy Resins: Chemistry and Technology”, 2 ^nd Edition, Routledge, 2018.

[0004] In addition to amines, epoxy resins also react with themselves (homopolymerization), anhydrides, phenols, and/or thiols. An epoxy formulation may contain multiple different kinds of curing agents as well as the right conditions for homopolymerization. [0005] Polyurethane coatings represent a class of high-performance systems that can be used for a number of different applications. Polyurethanes are highly desired for their durability, toughness, and abrasion resistance, which is believed to be a result of extensive hydrogen bonding. Two component (2K) polyurethane coatings involve the reaction of a polyol with a polyisocyanate. As with epoxy resins, the curing reactions start as soon as the components are mixed; therefore, the coating system is supplied in two packages that are mixed just prior to application. The polyol can be an acrylic polyol, a polyester polyol, a polyether polyol, a polyurethane polyol, or a polycarbonate polyol. The polyisocyanate component can be based on aromatic or aliphatic building blocks. Aromatic polyisocyanates react very rapidly, whereas aliphatic polyisocyanates react slower; however, it is possible to accelerate the curing with the use of catalysts. Aliphatic polyisocyanates are preferred for use where the coating requires weathering performance. More information about polyurethanes and their use in coatings can be found in various reference materials including “Szy cher’s Handbook of Polyurethanes”, 2 ^nd edition, CRC Press, 2012; U. Meier-Westhues, “Polyurethanes: Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants”, Vincentz Network, 2007.

[0006] However, due to concerns about exposure to isocyanates, there is a desire to be able to make polyurethanes without using isocyanates at the point of application. A number of approaches have been explored including cyclic carbonate-amine chemistry and carbamate-aldehyde chemistry, among others (Polym. Bull. 2019, 76 (6), 3233-3246; ChemSusChem 2019, 12 (15), 3410-3430; Eur. Polym. J. 2017, 87, 535-552; RSCAdv. 2013, 3 (13), 4110-4129; Polymer. Adv. Tech. 2015, 26 (7), 707-761).

[0007] In making new coatings systems, it is desirable to maintain the polyurethane character as the hydrogen bonding it affords imparts significant toughness, durability, and abrasion resistance. Therefore, a system that results in crosslinked polyurethane materials, but uses a different crosslinking chemistry is desirable.

[0008] As described previously, epoxy chemistry is well known and used extensively in the field of thermosetting materials for applications in coatings, composites, and adhesives. Having an epoxy -functional polyurethane can meet this need.

[0009] One approach to making epoxy-functional polyurethanes is that of glycidyl carbamate-functional resins. Glycidyl carbamate-functional resins are made by reacting isocyanate-functional resins with glycidol.

[0010] Glycidyl carbamates are typically synthesized by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with glycidol. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,830,038, Pattison discloses the synthesis of linear epoxy urethane compounds by the reaction of polytetramethylene ether glycol with an excess of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), followed by reaction with glycidol. The product is mixed with a diamine and cured to form an elastomer.

[0011] Doss, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,440,230, teaches the synthesis of a glycidyl carbamate resin by the reaction of a mixture of 2,4- and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with glycidol. The product can be cured at elevated temperature (180 °C for 30 minutes) between aluminum strips and forms an adhesive. Pittman et al. disclose glycidol-modified polyurethanes as treatments for textiles in U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,578. To prepare the glycidol-modified polyurethane, an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer was reacted with glycidol. The product is applied to a fabric either from solvent or as an aqueous emulsion and cured.

[0012] Several researchers have studied the rearrangement reactions of glycidyl carbamates. In an early report, Iwakura and Taneda indicate that N-substituted phenyl glycidyl carbamate would rearrange at elevated temperatures to 3-phenyl-5- hydroxytetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one (J. Org. Chem, 24, 1992 (1959)). However, Farrisey and Nashu show that, when catalyzed by a tertiary amine, phenyl glycidyl carbamate rearranges at elevated temperatures to 3-phenyl-4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxazolidones (J. Heterocyl. Chem., 7, 331-333 (1970)).

[0013] The group of Chen et al. report the synthesis of glycidol-terminated polyurethanes (glycidyl carbamates) and find that they had good adhesion at low temperatures as well as good storage stability and room temperature curing (J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 51, 1199-1206 (1994)). A subsequent study shows that the glycidol-terminated polyurethanes have better impact strength, fracture energy, and adhesion than a conventional epoxy resin (J. Appl.

Polym. Sci., 52, 1137-1151 (1994). In EP 0553701 A2, Rehfuss, et al. report a coating system made from reacting a polyisocyanate with glycidol to form the glycidyl carbamate resin and then curing it with a polyfunctional acid compound. Yeganeh et al. synthesized biodegradable epoxy terminated polyurethanes by end-capping of isocyanate terminated prepolymers with glycidol which are cured with diamines to make thermosets (Eur. Polym. J. 41, 2370-2379 (2005); J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 43, 2985-2006 (2005)). Yeganeh et al. also report polyurethane elastomers made from isocyanate terminated prepolymers capped with glycidol were cured with a polyamic acid to form crosslinked elastomers (J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 103, 1776-1785 (2007)). Yeganeh et al. also studied the curing of epoxy polyurethanes using a novel phenolic functionalized polyamide resin (High Perf. Polym. 20, 126-145 (2008)). Solouck et al. synthesized isocyanate terminated prepolymers from difunctional polyols and diisocyanates that were then end-capped with glycidol. These were cured with diamines to form crosslinked elastomers (Iran. J. Pharma. Sci., 4, 281-288 (2008)). Sun et al. studied the kinetics of the reaction of glycidol with isocyanate terminated prepolymers from aromatic and cycloaliphatic diisocyanates. The epoxy urethane terminated polymers were mixed with conventional BPA epoxy resins and cured and their underwater acoustic properties were studied (Polym. Bull. 69, 621-633 (2012)).

[0014] In a series of investigations, Webster et al. studied the synthesis of glycidyl carbamate-functional resins made from the reaction of glycidol with multifunctional polyisocyanates derived from 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HD I). In one paper, the synthesis of multifunctional resins and their curing with amines to form coatings was studied (JCT Research, 2, 517-528 (2005)). In another paper, the self-crosslinking reaction at elevated temperature was studied as were the properties of coatings cured with the selfcrosslinking reaction (Prog. Org. Coat., 57, 128-139(2006)). It was also shown that modification of the polyisocyanates with monofunctional alcohols, followed by reaction with glycidol could be used to moderate the viscosity of the resins. The resulting products could be cured with amines or through self-crosslinking to form coatings (J. Coat. Tech. & Res., 7, 531-546 (2010); U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,051,413; and 9,593,258). Webster et al., also demonstrate in U.S. Pat. No. 8,852,458 that polyfunctional glycidyl-carbamate resins could be blended with conventional BPA epoxy resins to form corrosion resistant coatings. Glycidyl carbamate- functional resins could be rendered water dispersible by partial replacement of glycidol with polyethylene glycol and cured using waterborne amine curing agents (J. Coat. Tech. Res., 6, 735-747 (2011); U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,776,956; and 9,676,895). To make highly flexible coatings linear glycidyl carbamate resins can be made and cured with amines (J. Coat. Tech. Res., 10(2), 141-151 (2012)). Hybrid sol-gel systems can also be synthesized by reactions with various silanes (Prog. Org. Coat., 66(1), 73-85 (2009); Prog. Org. Coat., 64(2-3) 128-137 (2009); Prog. Org. Coat., 63(4) 405-415 (2008); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,097,741). [0015] All these glycidyl carbamate resins are synthesized by reacting an isocyanate- functional material with glycidol. However, as those skilled in the art are aware, glycidol is very expensive and there are various health hazards associated with it.

[0016] Using another approach to the synthesis of epoxy-functional polyurethane resins, Ambrose et al., reported the reaction of isocyanate-functional compounds with a hydroxyl- functional poly epoxide having 2 or more epoxy groups per molecule (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,699,814; and 4,749,743). An example of a hydroxyl-functional polyepoxide is a diglycerol polyglycidyl ether having three epoxy groups per molecule.

[0017] Therefore, a need exists in the art for a new approach to the synthesis of epoxyfunctional polyurethanes that does not make use of glycidol and which results in epoxyfunctional urethanes with novel compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Accordingly, the present invention reduces or eliminates problems inherent in the art by providing an epoxy-functional urethane comprising an oxidized acrylate-functional carbamate which comprises a reaction product of an acrylate-functional carbamate, a solvent, water, a base, and an aqueous solution of an oxidant, wherein the reaction product has both epoxy -functional urethane and acrylate-functional carbamate, and wherein the acrylate- functional carbamate comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally in the presence of a catalyst.

[0019] The invention further includes a process for producing an epoxy-functional urethane, the process comprising: 1) reacting a polyisocyanate with a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally, in the presence of a catalyst to form an acrylate-functional carbamate; and 2) oxidizing the acrylate-functional carbamate to an epoxy -functional urethane, wherein oxidizing comprises (i) mixing the acrylate-functional carbamate with a solvent, water, a base, to form a mixture, and (ii) feeding an aqueous solution of oxidant into the mixture, wherein, the epoxy -functional urethane has both epoxy-functional urethane and acrylate-functional carbamate.

[0020] Thermoset polymers produced from the epoxy-functional urethanes of the invention may find use in or as coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites. [0021] These and other advantages and benefits of the present invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description of the Invention herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] The present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation in conjunction with the figures, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 provides the synthetic route to POLYISO A-carbamate with oxiranecarboxylate resin;

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the ¹³ C NMR spectra of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate and its epoxidation product; and

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts ATR-FTIR spectra of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate and its epoxidation product.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows the synthetic route to POLYISO A methyloxiranecarboxylate carbamate resin;

[0027] FIG. 5 provides the ¹³ C NMR spectra of POLYISO A methacrylate carbamate and POLYISO A methyloxiranecarboxylate carbamate; and

[0028] FIG. 6 shows the ATR-FTIR spectra of POLYISO A methylacrylate carbamate and POLYISO A methyloxiranecarboxylate carbamate resins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Except in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages, and so forth in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

[0030] Any numerical range recited in this specification is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amending to expressly recite any such sub-ranges would comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112(a), and 35 U.S.C. §132(a). The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics as variously described herein.

[0031] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material identified herein is incorporated by reference into this specification in its entirety unless otherwise indicated, but only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material expressly set forth in this specification. As such, and to the extent necessary, the express disclosure as set forth in this specification supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference herein. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference into this specification, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein, is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification to expressly recite any subject matter, or portion thereof, incorporated by reference herein.

[0032] Reference throughout this specification to “various non-limiting embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature or characteristic may be included in an embodiment. Thus, use of the phrase “in various non-limiting embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” or the like, in this specification does not necessarily refer to a common embodiment, and may refer to different embodiments. Further, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with various or certain embodiments may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present specification.

[0033] The grammatical articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated, even if “at least one” or “one or more” is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, these articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more than one (i. e. , to “at least one”) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, and without limitation, “a component” means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more than one component is contemplated and may be employed or used in an implementation of the described embodiments. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

[0034] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to an epoxy-functional urethane comprising an oxidized acrylate-functional carbamate which comprises a reaction product of an acrylate-functional carbamate, a solvent, water, a base, and an aqueous solution of an oxidant, wherein the reaction product has both epoxy -functional urethane and acrylate- functional carbamate, and wherein the acrylate-functional carbamate comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the epoxyfunctional urethane contains from 10-90% epoxy groups and 90-10% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a thermoset polymer comprising the epoxy-functional urethane according the previous paragraph. The thermoset polymers of the invention may find use in or as coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

[0036] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to process for producing an epoxy -functional urethane, the process comprising: 1) reacting a polyisocyanate with a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally, in the presence of a catalyst to form an acrylate-functional carbamate; and 2) oxidizing the acrylate-functional carbamate to an epoxy-functional urethane, wherein oxidizing comprises (i) mixing the acrylate-functional carbamate with a solvent, water, a base, to form a mixture, and; and (ii) feeding an aqueous solution of oxidant into the mixture; wherein, the epoxyfunctional urethane has both epoxy-functional urethane and acrylate-functional carbamate, wherein the epoxy -functional urethane contains from 10-90% epoxy groups and 90-10% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%. The process may also include 3) curing the epoxy-functional urethane with a curing agent to form a thermoset polymer, and 4) heating the epoxy-functional urethane to a temperature of from 30 °C to 100 °C. [0037] The present inventors have discovered an entirely new approach to the synthesis of epoxy-functional polyurethanes that does not make use of glycidol and where the epoxy group and the carbamate group are separated by more than one atom. This approach also results in epoxy-functional urethanes having novel compositions.

[0038] As shown below, the synthesis involves a first reaction of a polyisocyanate with a compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more acrylate groups. Then, the acrylate groups are oxidized to covert the double bonds to epoxy groups.

[0039] There are a number of approaches for converting terminal double bonds into epoxy groups. One of the more common approaches is to use m-chloroperbenzoic acid which reacts directly with a carbon-carbon double bond to convert it to the corresponding epoxide (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 120, 9513-9516 (1998)). However, the by-product of the reaction is m- chlorobenzoic acid in stoichiometric amounts, which creates significant waste.

[0040] An alternative method for epoxidizing olefins involves dioxirane, which can be generated in situ from the reaction of a ketone with potassium peroxymonosulfate, also known as potassium caroate or oxone (J. Org. Chem. 45, 4758-4760 (1980)). This method has been found to be useful in epoxidizing a number of different types of carbon-carbon double bonds (Org. Process Res. Dev., 6, 405-406 (2002), ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 6, 5115- 5121 (2018)).

[0041] Thus, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that novel epoxyfunctional polyurethanes can be synthesized by reacting a polyisocyanate with a compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more acrylate groups followed by epoxidizing the carbon-carbon double bond of the acrylate group (s) using dioxirane epoxidation. In various embodiments, the resulting epoxy-functional urethane compounds contain from 10-90% epoxy groups and 90-10% acrylate groups, in selected embodiments, epoxy -functional urethanes contain from 20-52% epoxy groups and 80-48% acrylate groups, wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100% the epoxyfunctional urethane. The compounds can be cured into thermosets by reaction with curing agents reactive with epoxy groups.

[0042] As used herein, the term “polymer” encompasses prepolymers, oligomers, and both homopolymers and copolymers; the prefix “poly” in this context refers to two or more. As used herein, the term “molecular weight”, when used in reference to a polymer, refers to the number average molecular weight, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] As used herein, the term “polyol” refers to compounds comprising at least two free hydroxyl groups. Polyols include polymers comprising pendant and terminal hydroxyl groups.

[0044] As used herein, the term “coating composition” refers to a mixture of chemical components that will cure and form a coating when applied to a substrate.

[0045] The terms “adhesive” or “adhesive composition” refer to any substance that can adhere or bond two items together. Implicit in the definition of an “adhesive composition” or “adhesive formulation” is the concept that the composition or formulation is a combination or mixture of more than one species, component or compound, which can include adhesive monomers, oligomers, and polymers along with other materials.

[0046] A “sealant” or “sealant composition” refers to a composition which may be applied to one or more surfaces to form a protective barrier, for example to prevent ingress or egress of solid, liquid or gaseous material or alternatively to allow selective permeability through the barrier to gas and liquid. In particular, it may provide a seal between surfaces.

[0047] A “casting” or “casting composition” refers to a mixture of liquid chemical components which is usually poured into a mold containing a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify.

[0048] A “composite” or “composite composition” refers to a material made from one or more polymers, containing at least one other type of material (e.g., a fiber) which retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the composite. A composite has different properties from those of the individual polymers/materials which make it up. [0049] The terms “cured,” “cured composition” or “cured compound” refer to components and mixtures obtained from reactive curable original compound(s) or mixture(s) thereof which have undergone chemical and/or physical changes such that the original compound(s) or mixture(s) is(are) transformed into a solid, substantially non-flowing material. A typical curing process may involve crosslinking.

[0050] The term “curable” means that an original compound(s) or composition material(s) can be transformed into a solid, substantially non-flowing material by means of chemical reaction, crosslinking, radiation crosslinking, or the like. Thus, compositions of the invention are curable, but unless otherwise specified, the original compound(s) or composition material(s) is(are) not cured.

[0051] The components useful in the present invention comprise a poly isocyanate. As used herein, the term “polyisocyanate” refers to compounds comprising at least two unreacted isocyanate groups, such as three or more unreacted isocyanate groups. The polyisocyanate may comprise diisocyanates such as linear aliphatic polyisocyanates, aromatic polyisocyanates, cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates and aralkyl polyisocyanates.

[0052] Suitable polyisocyanates include aromatic, araliphatic, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic di- and/or polyisocyanates and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the poly isocyanate may comprise a diisocyanate of the formula

R(NCO) ₂ wherein R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon residue having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon residue having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, an aromatic hydrocarbon residue having 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an araliphatic hydrocarbon residue having 7 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0053] Examples of the organic diisocyanates which are particularly suitable for the present invention include 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4,4-trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane- 1,3- and 1,4-diisocyanate, 1- isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, l-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanato- methylcyclohexane (IPDI), bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane (HnMDI), 1,3- and 1,4- bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, a,a,a',a'-tetramethyl-l,3- and 1,4-xylene diisocyanate, l-isocyanato-l-methyl-4(3)- isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, and 2,4- and 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), pentane diisocyanate (PDI) - biobased), and, isomers of any of these; or combinations of any of these. Mixtures of diisocyanates may also be used. Preferred diisocyanates include 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)- methane (HnMDI) because they are readily available and yield relatively low viscosity oligomers.

[0054] Polyisocyanate adducts containing isocyanurate, iminooxadiazine dione, urethane, biuret, allophanate, uretdione and/or carbodiimide groups are also suitable for use in the present invention, and may be prepared from the same organic groups, R, described above. Such polyisocyanates may have isocyanate-functionalities of two to three or more and can be prepared, for example, by the trimerization or oligomerization of diisocyanates or by the reaction of diisocyanates with polyfunctional compounds containing hydroxyl or amine groups. In certain embodiments, the polyisocyanate is the isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate, which may be prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,879, at col. 3, line 5 to col. 6, line 47.

[0055] An isocyanate-functional compound having a uretdione may be used. For example, the uretdione from hexamethylene diisocyanate may be used:

[0056] In various embodiments, the present invention relates to a process for synthesizing glycidyl carbamate-functional compositions.

[0057] In a first step, a polyisocyanate is reacted with a compound containing a hydroxyl group and an acrylate group to form an acrylate-functional carbamate. Although any polyisocyanate can be used, it is preferred to use those that have two or more isocyanate groups, so that the final glycidyl carbamate-functional composition can be cured into a thermoset material. Example diisocyanate compounds include 1 ,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate and mixtures thereof, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl) methane, tetramethylxylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, hydrogenated xylylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4 and 2,4,4,- trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 4- isocyanatomethyl-l,8-octane diisocyanate. Polyisocyanate compounds can also be used including the biuret and isocyanurate adducts of diisocyanates, polyisocyanates made by reacting a polyol with a diisocyanate, uretdione adducts, and allophanate polyisocyanates.

[0058] Another type of polyisocyanate that can be used is one prepared by the free radical copolymerization of a compound containing an isocyanate and a carbon-carbon double bond that can be polymerized using a free radical chain growth polymerization. Examples are m- TMI (a,a-dimethyl meta-isopropenyl benzyl isocyanate) and isocyanato ethyl methacrylate (IEM). These monomers can be combined with others in a copolymerization to yield a polymer having multiple isocyanate groups.

[0059] Examples of compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more acrylate groups are hydroxy ethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxy butyl acrylate, glycerol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, and the like. Examples of compounds having one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more methacrylate groups are hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxy butyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol dimethacrylate, penterythritol trimethacrylate, and the like.

[0060] The first step can be carried out in the absence or presence of solvent and in the absence of presence of a catalyst. Possible solvents are toluene, xylenes, n-butyl acetate, t- butyl acetate, amyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, dihydrolevoglucosenone (CYRENE), N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, and dimethylacetamide. It is preferred to carry out the reaction in the absence of solvent, or, if solvent is needed due to viscosity, to use a solvent that can be readily removed after the reaction is complete.

[0061] Suitable catalysts include, but are not limited to, tin compounds such as dibutyl tin dilaurate, dibutyl tin diacetate; tertiary amines such as l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and other metal salts based on bismuth, iron, zirconium, or zinc. It is preferred that the reaction proceeds without a catalyst or with a tin-based catalyst.

[0062] After reacting the polyisocyanate, step two, involving oxidation of the double bond to an epoxide occurs. The reaction occurs in a two-phase (biphasic) system. The acrylate-functional carbamate synthesized in step one is dissolved in a solvent. Preferably, the solvent is a ketone so that it can function as the source of ketone for the formation of the di oxirane. Solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, and cyclohexanone can be used, with acetone being the preferred solvent. A mixture of a ketone and another solvent may also be used. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, those listed above for the polyisocyanate-alcohol reaction.

[0063] A base is needed in the aqueous phase to maintain basic conditions to stabilize the dimethyldioxirane. Inorganic bases, such as, sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate), sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, and the like can be used. Sodium bicarbonate is preferred.

[0064] The biphasic reaction mixture is preferably stirred vigorously to create interfacial surface area between the organic and aqueous phases.

[0065] An oxidant such as oxone (potassium peroxy sulfate) may be dissolved in water and added slowly to the reaction mixture. A slow addition rate is preferred to yield the highest conversion of methacrylate groups to glycidyl groups.

[0066] The reaction can occur at temperatures ranging from 2 °C to 90 °C. Ambient temperature of 18-25 °C is preferred.

[0067] Optionally, a phase transfer catalyst can be used. Suitable phase transfer catalysts include, but are not limited to, tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogen sulfate, quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzyl tri ethyl ammonium chloride, and the like. Ionic liquids can also function as phase transfer compounds such as l-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (DoDMIImBF4). Crown ethers such as 18-crown-6 can also be used as a phase transfer catalyst.

[0068] After completion of the reaction, an organic solvent is added to extract the product from the reaction mixture and the organic and aqueous layers are allowed to separate. The organic layer is then washed several times with aqueous sodium chloride, the organic layer is separated from the aqueous layer, and the solvent removed by evaporation to yield the glycidyl carbamate resin.

[0069] Formulations are prepared with the epoxy urethane resin and a multifunctional amine curing agent and, optionally, catalysts, solvents, additives, pigments.

[0070] Suitable amine curing agents include those which are soluble or miscible in the coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites of the invention. Amine curing agents known in the art include, for example, diethylenetriamine, tri ethylenetetramine, tetraethylene-pentamine, etc. as well as 2,2,4- and/or 2,4,4- trimethylhexamethylenediamine; 1,2- and 1,3-diaminopropane; 2,2- dimethylpropylenediamine; 1,4-diaminobutane; 1,6-hexanediamine; 1,7-diaminoheptane; 1,8- diaminooctane; 1,9-diaminononae; 1,12-diaminododecane; 4-azaheptamethylenediamine; N,N"-bis(3-aminopropyl)butane-l,4-diamine; l-ethyl-l,3-propanediamine; 2, 2(4), 4- trimethyl-l,6-hexanediamin; bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine; N-aminoethylpiperazine; N,N- bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine; 2,4(6)-toluenediamine; dicyandiamine; melamine formaldehyde; tetraethylenepentamine; 3-diethylaminopropylamine; 3,3"- iminobispropylamine; tetraethylenepentamine; 3-diethylaminopropylamine; and 2,2,4- and

2.4.4-trimethylhexamethylenediamine. Exemplary cycloaliphatic amine curing agents include, but are not limited to, 1,2- and 1,3-diaminocyclohexane; l,4-diamino-2,5- diethylcyclohexane; l,4-diamino-3,6-diethylcyclohexane; l,2-diamino-4-ethylcyclohexane;

1.4-diamino-2,5-di ethylcyclo-hexane; l,2-diamino-4-cyclohexylcyclohexane; isophoronediamine; norbomanediamine; 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane; 4,4'- diaminodi cyclohexylethane; 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylpropane; 2,2-bis(4- aminocyclohexyl)propane; 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane; 3-amino-l-(4- aminocyclohexyl)propane; 1,3- and l,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane; and 1 -cy cl ohexy 1-3,4- dimino-cyelohexane. As exemplary araliphatic amines, in particular those amines are employed in which the amino groups are present on the aliphatic radical for example m- and p-xylylenediamine or their hydrogenation products as well as diamide diphenylmethane; diamide diphenylsulfonic acid (amine adduct); 4,4'-methylenedianiline; 2,4-bis(p- aminobenzyl)aniline; diethyltoluenediamine; and m-phenylene diamine. The amine curing agents may be used alone or as mixtures.

[0071] Suitable amine-epoxide adducts are, for example, reaction products of diamines such as, for example, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, m- xylylenediamine and/or bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane with terminal epoxides such as, for example, polyglycidyl ethers of polyhydric phenols listed above.

[0072] Preferably, the amine-curing agents used with the coating formulations of the invention are PACM (bis(para-aminocyclohexyl)methane), diethylene triamine (DETA), and 4,4'-methylene dianiline (MDA). Stoichiometry ratios of amine to oxirane of the coating compositions may be based on amine hydrogen equivalent weight (AHEW) and on weight per epoxide (WPE). A formulation of 1:1 was based on one epoxide reacted with one amine active hydrogen. [0073] Solvents can be included in the formulation of the thermosets. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, toluene, xylenes, n-butyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, amyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, dihydrolevoglucosenone (CYRENE), N- methyl 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethyl ethoxy propionate, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, and dimethylacetamide.

[0074] Curing can be carried out at ambient conditions or at elevated temperatures. Curing may also occur at low temperatures. By low temperatures, the present inventors mean temperatures lower than room temperature, in some embodiments, between ambient temperature and 0 °C, in certain embodiments between 20 °C and 2 °C, in selected embodiments between 10 °C and 4 °C.

[0075] The coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites of the invention may further contain at least one additive to, for example, enhance the composition's efficiency. Examples of suitable additives include, but are not limited to, leveling and flow control agents such as silicones, fluorocarbons or cellulosics; extenders; plasticizers; flattening agents; pigment wetting and dispersing agents; ultraviolet (UV) absorbers; UV light stabilizers; defoaming and antifoaming agents; anti-settling, anti-sag and bodying agents; anti-skinning agents; anti-flooding and anti-floating agents; and corrosion inhibitors. Specific examples of such additives are found in Raw Materials Index, published by the National Paint & Coatings Association, 1500 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Further examples of such additives may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,148.

[0076] Examples of flattening agents include, but are not limited to, synthetic silica, available from the Davison Chemical Division ofW. R. Grace & Company as SYLOID; polypropylene, available from Hercules Inc., as HERCOFLAT; synthetic silicate, available from J. M. Huber Corporation, as ZEOLEX.

[0077] Examples of viscosity, suspension, and flow control agents include, but are not limited to, polyaminoamide phosphate, high molecular weight carboxylic acid salts of polyamine amides, and alkylene amine salts of an unsaturated fatty acid, all available from BYK Chemie U.S.A, as ANTI TERRA. Further examples include, but are not limited to, polysiloxane copolymers, polyacrylate solution, cellulose esters, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyamide wax, polyolefin wax, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, and the like. [0078] Where formulated as a coating, the inventive compositions may be applied to various substrates including, but not limited to, metals (e.g., aluminum, steel), plastics, ceramics, glass, natural materials, and concrete. The substrates may optionally be cleaned prior to coating to remove processing oils or other contaminants. The substrates may also be pretreated to improve adhesion and corrosion resistance. Additionally, a primer may be applied first to the substrate followed by application of the coating of the invention. Alternatively, the coating of the invention can be applied to the substrate first, followed by a topcoat of another or similar material.

[0079] The compositions of the invention may be contacted with a substrate by any methods known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, spraying, dipping, flow coating, rolling, brushing, pouring, squeegeeing, and the like. In some embodiments, the inventive compositions may be applied in the form of paints or lacquers onto any compatible substrate. In certain embodiments, the inventive composition is applied as a single layer. In other embodiments, the composition may be applied as multiple layers as needed.

EXAMPLES

[0080] The non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples that follow are intended to further describe various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments without restricting the scope of the embodiments described in this specification. All quantities given in “percents” are understood to be by weight, unless otherwise indicated. For the purpose of mass to mole conversions, reagents with purity of 99% or higher are considered to be 100% pure.

[0081] Although described herein in the context of a coating, those skilled in the art will recognize that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

[0082] The following materials were used in preparation of the Examples:

POLYISO A an allophanate-modified polyisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), commercially available from Covestro LLC (Pittsburgh, PA) as DESMODUR XP 2580 (19.3% NCO);

ACRYLATE A 2-Hydroxyethylacrylate, commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich;

METHACRYLATE A 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich;

CATALYST A dibutyltin dilaurate 95% (DBTDL), one drop is ~ 20-30 mg, commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; OXIDANT A potassium peroxysulfate, commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich as OXONE;

BASE A sodium hydrogen carbonate, commercially available from Alfa Aesar;

CROSSLINKER A para-aminocyclohexyl methane (PACM), commercially available from Evonik;

SOLVENT A acetone, commercially available from Alfa Aesar;

SOLVENT B dichloromethane, commercially available from Alfa Aesar;

SOLVENT C ethyl acetate, commercially available from Alfa Aesar;

DI water de-ionized water;

MEK methyl ethyl ketone, commercially available from VWR International; and

BRINE saturated aqueous solution of NaCl, prepared by dissolving 500 g NaCl (certified ACS, Sigma-Aldrich) into 1 L of DI water at room temperature.

[0083] The following methods are used in the examples for the characterization of the compounds synthesized and materials prepared. FTIR measurements were done by a THERMO NICOLET 8700 FTIR spectrometer. Spectra acquisitions were based on 64 scans with data spacing of 4.0 cm in the range of 4000-500 cm ⁴ . NMR measurements were done at 25 ° C using BRUKER AVANCE 400 MHz instrument and processed with TOPSPIN software. All measurements were made using CDCh as solvent. The bulk viscosity of samples was measured using an ARES Rheometer at room temperature.

[0084] Epoxide equivalent weight (EEW, g/eq) of the epoxy products was determined by epoxy titration according to ASTM D1652-11 (2019). Impact tests were measured according to ASTM D2794-93 (2019) using a BYK-GARDNER Heavy Duty Impact Tester Model IG- 1120, which a 1.8 kg (4 lb.) mass and 1.27 cm (0.5 in.) diameter round-nose punch. MEK double rubs of the cured film was done in accordance with ASTM D5402-19. Coatings that passed 400 double rubs without mar were considered fully cured. The film thickness was measured with a BYKO-TEST 8500. Konig pendulum hardness and pencil hardness were determined according to ASTM D4366-16 (2021) and ASTM D3363-20, respectively. The adhesion of coatings on steel substrate was evaluated using crosshatch adhesion ASTM D3359-17.

Ex. 1 - Synthesis of POLYISO A-carbamate resin with oxirane carboxylate groups (FIG. 1)

Step one: The Synthesis of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate intermediate [0085] POLYISO A (30.28 g 0.14 mol) and ACRYLATE A (16.2 g, 0.14 mol) were added into a 250 mL three-neck, round bottom flask with stir bar, CATALYST A (three drops) was added. SOLVENT B was added into reaction mixture to maintain stirring. Infrared spectroscopic analysis was used to determine reaction completion by monitoring the disappearance of the isocyanate peak at 2275 cm' ¹ . The resulting carbamate intermediate was directly and immediately used for the next step without purification.

[0086] ^X H NMR (400 MHz) 66.27 (dd, J = 17.4, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 5.98 (dd, J = 17.3, 10.4 Hz, 1H), 5.70 (dd, J = 10.3, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (s, 1H), 4.15 (dd, J = 14.2, 5.3 Hz, 4H), 4.00 (ddd, J = 16.6, 9.7, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.64 (ddd, J = 54.7, 11.0, 5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (ddd, J = 42.1, 12.8, 6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.62 - 1.29 (m, 5H), 1.21 (t, J = 13.0 Hz, 5H), 0.80 (ddd, J = 23.8, 13.2, 7.3 Hz, 1H).

[0087] ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz) 6 165.87, 156.29, 156.17, 154.45, 148.97, 131.28, 128.03,

62.84, 62.31, 43.52, 42.75, 40.84, 40.31, 30.55, 29.71, 29.66, 29.43, 28.98, 28.21, 28.01, 27.63, 26.48, 26.29, 26.23, 26.17, 22.18, 21.95, 19.10, 13.95, 13.62, 10.44. FIG. 2 is the spectrum of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate.

[0088] ATR-FTIR (cm ¹ ): 3338, 2934, 2859, 1709, 1684, 1529, 1462, 1241, 1183, 1141, 1060, 983, 809, 766, 777, 733, 701. FIG. 3 is the ATR-FTIR spectrum of the POLYISO A- acrylate carbamate.

Step two: Epoxidation of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate containing intermediate

[0089] The resulting POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate intermediate (containing about 0.14 mol double bond), SOLVENT A (200mL), and BASE A (71 g, 6 equivalents, 0.84 mol) were added into a 2 L three-neck, round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stir apparatus at once. An aqueous solution (800 mL) which contained OXIDANT A (174 g, 4 equivalents, 0.56 mol) was added dropwise at a flowrate of 1-2 mL min ¹ using a pump at room temperature. After dropwise addition, the reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for another two hours. The reaction mixture was liquid-liquid extracted with SOLVENT C (3 x 150 mL). The organic layer was separated and washed with BRINE (3 x 100 mL), and evaporated. The carbon-carbon double bond conversion was about 20% (analyzed by ¹³ C NMR spectroscopy, FIG. 2) and the yield was about 100%.

[0090] ’H NMR (400 MHz) 6 6.22 (d, J = 17.3 Hz), 5.94 (dd, J = 17.3, 10.4 Hz), 5.67 (d, J = 10.4 Hz), 5.27 (s), 4.32 - 4.03 (m), 3.65 (s), 3.52 (s), 3.27 (d, J = 2.9 Hz), 3.06 (d, J = 5.8 Hz), 2.95 (dd, J = 12.7, 6.4 Hz), 2.76 (d, J = 2.8 Hz), 1.60 - 1.26 (m), 1.24 - 1.09 (m), 0.85 - 0.63 (m).

[0091] ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz) 6 169.05, 165.80, 156.23, 156.17, 156.06, 155.82, 154.41,

148.94, 131.35, 131.21, 128.00, 127.91, 75.76, 68.09, 66.62, 66.34, 63.77, 62.81, 62.58, 62.26, 61.98, 47.08, 46.28, 43.47, 42.68, 40.78, 40.25, 35.46, 30.50, 29.65, 29.60, 29.38, 28.93, 28.16, 27.97, 27.57, 26.43, 26.23, 26.18, 24.46, 22.13, 21.90, 19.05,13.88, 13.56, 10.37. FIG. 2 is the spectrum of POLYISO A-oxirane carbamate.

[0092] ATR-FTIR (cm’ ¹ ): 3338, 2935, 2860, 1709, 1684, 1526, 1462, 1406, 1373, 1239, 1184, 1141, 1044, 984, 810, 777, 766, 672. FIG. 3 is the FTIR spectrum of the epoxidation product of POLYISO A-acrylate carbamate.

Ex. 2 -Coating preparation and evaluation

[0093] The POLYISO A-carbamate resin with methyl oxirane groups from Ex. 1 was mixed with CROSSLINKER A (1:1.5) without any solvent. The coating formulations were applied on to iron phosphate pretreated 22-gauge steel test panels purchased from Q-panel. Coating application was made using a drawdown bar for a final dry film thickness of approximately 80 pm. Coated panels were cured at 80 °C for seven hours. The results of the coating evaluation are summarized in Table I.

Table I

Ex. 3 - Synthesis of POLYISO A carbamate with 2-methyloxiranecarboxylate (FIG. 4)

Step one: Synthesis of ISO A-carbamate intermediate with methacrylate groups

[0094] POLYISO A (21.67 g O.lmol) and METHACRYLATE A (13.1g, O.lOlmol) were added into a 500mL three-neck, round bottom flask with stir bar, CATALYST A (three drops) was added. SOLVENT B was added into the reaction mixture to maintain stirring.

Infrared spectroscopic analysis was performed to determine reaction completion by monitoring the disappearance of the isocyanate peak at 2275 cm' ¹ . The resulting carbamate intermediate was directly and immediately used for the next step without purification.

[0095] ^X H NMR (400 MHz) 6 5.99 (s, 1H), 5.45 (s, 1H), 5.10 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 1H), 4.15 (d, J = 16.9 Hz, 4H), 4.02 (ddd, J = 16.5, 9.7, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.77 - 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.07 (ddd, J = 41.5, 12.8, 6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.80 (s, 3H), 1.60 - 1.31 (m, 5H), 1.23 (dd, J = 14.6, 11.4 Hz, 5H), 0.89 - 0.71 (m, 1H).

[0096] ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz) 6 167.11, 156.32, 156.21, 154.47, 148.97, 135.95, 125.95,

68.17, 66.70, 66.42, 63.01, 62.71, 62.31, 43.54, 42.77, 40.86, 40.33, 30.58, 29.75, 29.70, 29.46, 29.01, 28.23, 28.03, 27.66, 26.51, 26.31, 26.26, 26.19, 22.21, 21.98, 19.12, 18.25, 13.97, 13.65, 10.46. FIG. 2 shows the spectrum of the POLYISO A reacted with METHACRYLATE A.

[0097] ATR-FTIR (cm’ ¹ ): 3342, 3017, 2934, 2860, 1709, 1690, 1529, 1462, 1405, 1377, 1321, 1297, 1239, 1168, 1143, 1044, 942, 815, 748, 666. FIG. 3 shows the ATR-FTIR spectrum of the POLYISO A reacted with METHACRYLATE A.

Step two: Epoxidation of POLYISO A-carbamate containing methacrylate intermediate

[0098] The resulting POLYISO A -carbamate with methacrylate intermediate (containing about 0.1 mol double bond), SOLVENT A (lOOmL), and BASE A (84.01g 10 equivalent, 1 mol) were added into a 2 L three-neck, round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirring apparatus. An aqueous solution (800 mL) which contained OXIDANT A (186g, 6 equivalent, 0.6 mol) was added dropwise at a flowrate of 1-2 mL min ¹ using a pump at room temperature. After dropwise addition, the reaction solution was stirred at room temperature for another two hours. The reaction mixture was liquid-liquid extracted with SOLVENT C (3 x 150 mL). The organic layer was separated and washed with BRINE (3 x 100 mL) and evaporated. The carbon-carbon double bond conversion was about 100% (analyzed by ¹³ C NMR spectroscopy, FIG. 5) and the yield was about 95%.

[0099] ’H NMR (400 MHz) 6 5.30 (d, J = 35.8 Hz, 1H), 4.26 - 3.95 (m, 4H), 3.53 (d, J =

52.8 Hz, 2H), 2.94 (dd, J = 46.5, 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.68 (dd, J = 126.8, 6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.77 (d, J =

3.8 Hz, 1H), 1.56 - 1.35 (m, 2H), 1.30 (s, 4H), 1.24 (t, J = 13.9 Hz, 2H), 1.20 - 1.04 (m, 5H), 0.71 (ddd, J = 23.7, 13.5, 7.1 Hz, 1H).

[0100] ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz) 6 170.97, 156.78, 156.10, 154.36, 148.90, 63.80, 63.63,

62.08, 61.87, 53.52, 52.83, 43.50, 43.40, 42.62, 40.69, 40.20, 30.44, 29.58, 29.52, 29.32, 28.87, 28.10, 27.92, 27.51, 26.37, 26.18, 26.13, 22.07, 21.84, 21.54, 19.00, 17.19, 13.84, 13.51, 10.33. FIG. 6 shows the spectrum of POLYISO A-carbamate with methyl oxirane groups. [0101] ATR-FTIR (cm ⁴ ): 3340, 2935, 2860, 1710, 1684, 1526, 1462, 1404, 1373, 1295, 1239, 1171, 1137, 1044, 851, 755, 731. FIG. 3 shows FTIR spectrum of POLYISO A- carbamate with methyl oxirane groups.

Ex. 4- Coating preparation and evaluation

[0102] The POLYISO A-carbamate resin with methyl oxirane groups from Ex. 3 was mixed with CROSSLINKER A (at a ratio of 1 : 1.5) without any solvent. The coating formulations were applied on to iron phosphate pretreated 22-gauge steel test panels purchased from Q-panel. Coatings application was made using a drawdown bar for a final dry film thickness of approximately 80 pm. Coated panels were cured at 80 °C for three hours. The results of the coating evaluation are summarized in Table I.

Table I

[0103] This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments not expressly set forth herein. Such embodiments may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting embodiments described in this specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously described in this specification, and such amendments comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §112(a), and 35 U.S. C. §132(a).

[0104] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

[0105] Clause 1. An epoxy-functional urethane comprising an oxidized acrylate- functional carbamate which comprises a reaction product of an acrylate-functional carbamate, a solvent, water, a base, and an aqueous solution of an oxidant, wherein the reaction product has both epoxy-functional urethane and acrylate-functional carbamate, wherein the acrylate- functional carbamate comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the epoxy-functional urethane contains from 10-90% epoxy groups and 90-10% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%

[0106] Clause 2. The epoxy-functional urethane according to Clause 1, wherein the compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl acrylate, hydroxy propyl acrylate, hydroxy butyl acrylate, glycerol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, and mixtures of any of these.

[0107] Clause 3. An epoxy-functional urethane comprising an oxidized methacrylate- functional carbamate which comprises a reaction product of a methacrylate-functional carbamate, a ketone, water, a base, and an oxidant, wherein the methacrylate-functional carbamate comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate with a compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more methacrylate groups, optionally, in the presence of a catalyst.

[0108] Clause 4. The epoxy-functional urethane according to Clause 3, wherein the compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more methacrylate groups is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, hydroxy propyl methacrylate, hydroxy butyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol dimethacrylate, penterythritol trimethacrylate, and mixtures of any of these.

[0109] Clause 5. The epoxy-functional urethane according to one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2, 4, 4-trimethyl- 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-l,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-l,4-diisocyanate, l-isocyanato-2- isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, l-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanato- methylcyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanatocy clohexyl)methane, 1 ,3-bis(isocy anatomethyl)- cyclohexane, l,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl- cyclohexyl)-methane, a,a,a',a'-tetramethyl-l,3-xylene diisocyanate, a,a,a',a'-tetramethy-l,4- xylene diisocyanate, l-isocyanato-l-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, 2,4- hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, pentane diisocyanate, isomers of any of these, biurets of any of these, allophanates of any of these, uretdiones of any of these, isocyanurates of any of these, uretdiones of any of these, and mixtures of any of these.

[0110] Clause 6. The epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylenes, n-butyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, amyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, dihydrolevoglucosenone, N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, and dimethylacetamide, and mixtures of any of these.

[oni] Clause 7. The epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide, and mixtures of any of these.

[0112] Clause 8. The epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses, wherein the epoxy -functional urethane is self-crosslinked to form a crosslinked thermoset polymer.

[0113] Clause 9. The epoxy-functional urethane according to Clause 8, wherein selfcrosslinking comprises heating the epoxy-functional urethane to a temperature of from 30 °C to 100 °C.

[0114] Clause 10. The epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses, wherein the epoxy -functional urethane contains from 20-52% epoxy groups and 80- 48% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%.

[0115] Clause 11. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses.

[0116] Clause 12. A thermoset polymer comprising the epoxy-functional urethane according to any of the previous Clauses and a curing agent.

[0117] Clause 13. The thermoset polymer according to Clause 12, wherein the curing agent comprises an amine curing agent. [0118] Clause 14. The thermoset polymer according to one of Clauses 12 and 13, wherein the curing agent is selected from the group consisting of curing agent comprises an amine selected from the group consisting of bis(para-aminocyclohexyl)methane, di ethylene triamine, and 4,4'-methylene dianiline.

[0119] Clause 15. A process for producing an epoxy-functional urethane, the process comprising: 1) reacting a polyisocyanate with a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group, optionally, in the presence of a catalyst to form an acrylate-functional carbamate; and 2) oxidizing the acrylate-functional carbamate to an epoxy -functional urethane, wherein oxidizing comprises (i) mixing the acrylate-functional carbamate with a solvent, water, a base, to form a mixture, and (ii) feeding an aqueous solution of oxidant into the mixture, wherein, the epoxy-functional urethane has both epoxyfunctional urethane and acrylate-functional carbamate, wherein the epoxy-functional urethane contains from 10-90% epoxy groups and 90-10% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%.

[0120] Clause 16. The process according to one of Clause 15, wherein the compound containing at least one hydroxyl group and at least one acrylate group is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl acrylate, hydroxy propyl acrylate, hydroxy butyl acrylate, glycerol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane diacrylate, pentaerythritol diacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, and mixtures of any of these.

[0121] Clause 17. A process for producing an epoxy-functional urethane, the process comprising: (1) reacting a polyisocyanate with a compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more methacrylate groups, optionally, in the presence of a catalyst to form a methacrylate-functional carbamate; and (2) oxidizing the methacrylate-functional carbamate to an epoxy urethane (methyloxiranecarboxylate carbamate), wherein oxidizing comprises (a) forming a mixture comprising the methacrylate-functional carbamate with a ketone, water, and a base, and (b) feeding an aqueous solution of oxidant into the mixture.

[0122] Clause 18. The process according to Clauses 17, wherein the compound containing one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more methacrylate groups is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxy butyl methacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol dimethacrylate, penterythritol trimethacrylate, and mixtures of any of these. [0123] Clause 19. The process according to any of Clauses 15-18, wherein the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6- hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4,4- trimethyl-l,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane- 1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-l,4-diisocyanate, l-isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, l-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanato-methylcyclohexane, bis-(4- isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1 ,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, 1 ,4- bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, a,a,a',a'-tetramethyl-l,3-xylene diisocyanate, a,a,a',a'-tetramethy-l,4-xylene diisocyanate, 1- isocyanato-l-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, pentane diisocyanate, isomers of any of these, biurets of any of these, allophanates of any of these, uretdiones of any of these, isocyanurates of any of these, uretdiones of any of these, and mixtures of any of these.

[0124] Clause 20. The process according to any one of Clauses 15 to 19, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylenes, n-butyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, amyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, dihydrolevoglucosenone, N-methyl 2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, and dimethylacetamide, and mixtures of any of these.

[0125] Clause 21. The process according to any one of Clauses 15 to 20, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, and potassium hydroxide, and mixtures of any of these.

[0126] Clause 22. The process according to any one of Clauses 15 to 21 further including 3) curing the epoxy-functional urethane with a curing agent to form a thermoset polymer.

[0127] Clause 23. The process according to Clause 22, wherein the curing agent comprises an amine curing agent.

[0128] Clause 24. The process according to one of Clause 23, wherein the amine curing agent is selected from the group consisting of bis(para-aminocyclohexyl)methane, di ethylene triamine, and 4,4'-methylene dianiline. [0129] Clause 25. The process according to any one of Clauses 12 to 24 further including 4) self-crosslinking the epoxy -functional urethane to form a crosslinked thermoset polymer.

[0130] Clause 25. The process according to Clause 25, wherein self-crosslinking comprises heating the epoxy-functional urethane to a temperature of from 30 °C to 100 °C.

[0131] Clause 26. The process according to any one of Clauses 15 to 25, wherein the epoxy -functional urethane contains from 20-52% epoxy groups and 80-48% acrylate groups, and wherein the % of epoxy groups plus the % of acrylate groups totals 100%.

[0132] Clause 27. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the epoxy-functional urethane produced according to the process of any one of Clauses 15 to 26.