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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
DUAL CURING CONFORMAL COATINGS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1994/009013
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Ultraviolet curable polymerizable systems having a built-in secondary curing mechanism are disclosed. The polymerizable coating system is a one component system comprising at least one alkoxysilyl-urethane-acrylate or methacrylate, and acrylate or methacrylate or vinyl ether diluent. The coating systems may include a polymerization initiator of the cationic or free radical photoinitiator type, and a metal catalyst. The coating system is UV curable, and also possesses an additional cure mechanism.

Inventors:
GAGLANI KAMLESH
Application Number:
PCT/US1993/009733
Publication Date:
April 28, 1994
Filing Date:
October 12, 1993
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CASCHEM INC (US)
International Classes:
C07F7/18; C08F30/08; C08F290/14; C09D4/00; H05K3/28; (IPC1-7): C07F7/10; C08F2/48; C08G18/02; C08G18/04; C08G77/26; C08K5/00
Foreign References:
US3179622A1965-04-20
US3179713A1965-04-20
US3426057A1969-02-04
US3502704A1970-03-24
US3895043A1975-07-15
US3903052A1975-09-02
US4031120A1977-06-21
US4088670A1978-05-09
US4650835A1987-03-17
US5120812A1992-06-09
US5166383A1992-11-24
Download PDF:
Claims:
THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. An oligomer of Formula I comprising, (I) wherein: R represents aryl, alkoxy substituted aryl, aryl substituted alkyl, aryl ether, cycloalkyl substituted alkyl, halosubstituted aryl, alkyl substituted aryl alkyl, alkoxy substituted aryl, and (CH2)m where m=4 6; R, represents C2C10 alkyl; R2 represents H, CH3, C2H5; R3 represents CH3, C2H5, R1(0(CH2)SO^R1 where R'=R as defined above, s=210 and t=l10; n=220, and m=l3. 2.
2. The oligimer of claim 1 wherein: R_ represents a C2Cl0 liner or branched alkyl, SUBSTITUTE SHEET R2 represents H, CH3, C2H5, and R3 represents, CH3, C2H5, C3H7.
3. The oligomer of claim 1 wherein R representε dicyclohexylmethane, hexamethylene; R! represents ethyl, propyl; R2 represents H, CH3; and n =.
4. 6.
5. 4 The oligomer of claim 1 wherein R representε dicyclohexylmethane; Rt represents propyl; R2 represents H, and n = 6.
6. An oligomer of formula II NH (CH2)nSi(OR3)m (ID wherein R represents aryl, alkoxy subεtituted aryl, aryl substituted alkyl, aryl ether, cycloalkyl substituted alkyl, haloεubstituted aryl, alkyl substituted aryl alkyl, alkoxy substituted aryl, (CH2)m where m=46; Rj representε C2C10 alkyl, SUBSTITUTE SHEET R2 repreεents H, CH3, C2H5, R3 representε CH3, C2H5, R1(0(CH2) SOR1 where R'=R as defined above, s=210 and t=l10; n=220, and m=l3.
7. The oligomer of claim 5 wherein R repreεents dicylohexylmethane, hexamethylene; R, represents ethyl, propyl, butyl; R2 represents H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7; R3 representε Me, Et, PR, Bu; and n=4, 6.
8. The oligomer of claim 5 wherein R represents dicyclohexylmethane; R[ representε C3H6; R2 repreεentε H; and R3 repreεentε CH3.
9. A urea derivative of Formula (1) R '1 S OF 3'm OCN R NH N Si(OR3)m (1) where R repreεents (CH)2n, n = 16; substituted phenyl, cyclohexyl; i represents C2CI2 alkyl; and R3 represents C2C4 alkyl.
10. The urea derivative of claim 8 where R represents dicyclohexylmethane, hexamethylene and R, represents ethyl, propyl or butyl. SUBSTITUTE SHEET .
11. The urea derivative of claim 9 where R represents dicyclohexylmethane and R, represents propyl.
12. A dual UV, moisture curing reεin composition comprising a polymer of claim 1 or 5.
13. The resin composition of claim 11 further comprising a monomer acrylate or monomer vinyl ether.
14. A dual UV, moisture curing resin composition comprising the reaction product of sufficient amounts of an organic polyisocyante, an acrylate substituted polyol and an alkoxysilane substituted amine so that the composition has a first curing mechanism which is activated by exposure to UV light and a second curing mechanism which is activated by exposure to moisture.
15. The composition of claim 13 wherein the organic polyisocyanate compound is initially reacted with the amine to form a urea derivative which is subsequently reacted with a polyol to form the reaction product.
16. The composition of claim 15 wherein the organic polyisocyanate compound is initially reacted with the amine to form a urea derivative which is subsequently reacted with the polyol to form the reaction product.
17. The composition of claim 13 wherein the amine is a secondary amine containing two alkoxysilane substituents.
18. The composition of claim 13 wherein the polyol is a diol which is disubstituted with acrylate moieties, methacrylate moieties, or an acrylate moiety together with on methacrylate moiety. SUBSTITUTE SHEET .
19. The composition of claim 13 further comprising a reactive acrylic monomer in an amount sufficient to act as a diluent.
20. The composition of claim 18 further comprising a photo initiator in an amount sufficient to increaεe the rate of UV curing.
21. The composition of claim 13 further comprising a catalyst in an amount sufficient to increase the rate of moisture curing.
22. The composition of claim 13 further comprising a surfactant in an amount sufficient to enhance the flow characteristics of the composition.
23. The composition of claim 13 further comprising an additional additive in an amount sufficient to modify a property of the composition without detrimentally affecting the curing mechanisms of the composition.
24. The composition of claim 12 wherein the additive is an antioxidant, a retarding agent, a filler, a pigment, a flame retardant agent or a viscosity modifying agent.
25. A method of forming a cured coating on a substrate having one or more shadow areas, comprising the steps of: providing the composition of either of claim1 5, 13 or 31; applying said coating composition to εaid substrate; expoεing the coated substrate to UV light of a sufficient wavelength and intensity to cure areas of said coating exposed to said UV light; and SUBSTITUTE SHEET expoεing εaid coated εubεtrate to conditionε εufficient of temperature and humidity to cure areaε of said coating which are not exposed said to UV light.
26. A method according to claim 23 wherein said substrate comprises a circuit board, and wherein said circuit board has one or more components mounted thereon.
27. A method for forming a cured coating on a substrate which comprises: applying a composition having a dual UV and moisture curing mechanism onto the substrate; initially curing the composition by exposure to UV light of a sufficient wavelength and intensity to cure areas of the composition exposed thereto; and further curing the composition by exposure to conditions of sufficient temperature and humidity to cure area of said composition which were not exposed to said UV light.
28. A method for forming a cured coating on a substrate which comprises: applying the composition of claim 13 onto a substrate; initially curing the composition by exposure to UV light of a sufficient wavelength and intensity to cure areas of the compoεition expoεed thereto; and further curing the compoεition by exposure to conditions of sufficient temperature and humidity to cure area of said composition which were not exposed to said UV light.
29. The cured coating on a subεtrate produced according to the method of claim 24, 26 or 27. SUBSTITUTE SHEET .
30. A substrate covered at least in part with the cured composition of claim 11 or 13.
31. A printed circuit board having one or more components mounted thereon, and covered at least in part with the cured compoεition of claim 10 or 12.
32. An oligomer according to formula (III) compriεing 0 I! (R30)mSiR5 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (III) where X is selected from the group consiεting of O, N and S, with the proviεo that when X iε either O or S, R4 is not present; R is selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkoxy substituted aryl, aryl substituted alkyl, aryl ether, cycloalkyl substituted alkyl, halosubstituted aryl, alkyl substituted aryl alkyl, alkoxy substituted aryl and (CH2)p where p is an integer from 4 to 6; R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3 and C2H5; R3 is selected from the group consisting of CH3, C2HS, R'COfCH^QOtR, where R,=R as defined above, Q is an integer from 2 to 10 and t is an integer from l to 10; 4 is selected from the group consisting of R,, CjC25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and R,Si(OR3)m; Rs is selected from the group consisting of <CH9) NH 2'P and, NH—R6 where p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S or N; 1 is selected from the group consisting of C,C25 straight and branched alkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C,C25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; SUBSTITUTE SHEET n iε an integer from 2 to 20; and m iε an integer from 13.
33. The oligomer of claim 31 wherein: R2 represents H, CH3 C2H5; R3 repreεentε CH3, C2H5, C3H7. R5 repreεents SUBSTITUTE SHEE1 wherein R6 represents C, C25 straight or branched alkyl; Y is N, O, or S and p is an integer from 225. The oligomer of claim 31 wherein R represents dicyclohexylmethane, hexamethylene; R2 represents H, CH3; and n = 4, 6 R5 represents .
34. The oligomer of claim 31 wherein R represents dicyclohexylmethane; R2 represents H, and n = 6 R5 represents .
35. A urea derivative of formula (5_) ; (5) where R represents (CH)2/ n = 16; subεtituted phenyl, cyclohexyl; R3 represents C2C4 alkyl; R4 represents C^C^ branched or straight alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or R6Si(OR3)m SUBSTITUTE SHEET o C , R4 / OCN R NH N s \ R5 Si<OR3 >m R5 is selected from the group consisting of and, where p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is selected from the group consisting of 0, S or N; R6 is εelected from the group conεiεting of C,C25 straight and branched alkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C,C25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl and subεtituted aryl.
36. The urea derivative of claim 35 where R represents dicyclohexylmethane or hexamethylene and R5 representε SUBSTITUTE SHEET where p Ry Y NH Rβ — _ is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S or N; R^ is selected from the group consisting of C,C2j 0 straight and branched alkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C,C25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl.
37. The urea derivative of claim 36 where R representε dicyclohexylmethane and R5 represents OEt CH; CH, CH; NH Si OEt OEt .
38. An alcohol having the general formula (R30)m Si R5 OH where R3 is selected from the group consisting of CH3, C2H5, and C3H; R5 is selected from the group consisting of SUBSTITUTE SHEET / (CH2). NH R6 and, R7 Y XNH R6 where p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is selected from the group consisting of 0, S or N; ^ is selected from the group consisting of C,C2S straight and branched alkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of C,C25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl and subεtituted aryl.
39. An alcohol according to claim 38 where R3 is ethyl.
40. A method of making an oligomer of the structure of Formula (III) of claim 31 wherein an alcohol is reacted with a polyisocyanate and an acrylate substituted diol.
41. A thiol having the general formula (R30)m Si R5 SH where R3 is selected from the group consiεting of CH3, CH5, C3H7; R5 iε selected from the group consiεting of SUBSTITUTESHEET and, where —R^ Y NH—Rg— p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is selected from the group consisting of O, S or N; Rή is selected from the group consisting of C|C25 straight and branched alkyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of CιC25 branched or straight alkyl, aryl and substituted aryl; n is an integer from 2 to 20; and m is an integer from 13.
42. A thiol according to claim 41 where R5 is ,? Y XNH—R6 .
43. A method of making an oligomer of Formula (III) claim 31 wherein a thiol is reacted with a polyisocyanate and an acrylate substituted diol. SUBSTITUTE SHEET.
Description:
DUAL CURING CO FORMAL COATINGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to dual cure conformal coating formulations. More particularly, the invention relates to resins for use in dual cure conformal coating applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conformal coatings provide a protective covering over automobile, aerospace and military electronic printed circuit boards. These coatings protect sensitive electronic components from corrosion of solder joints, fluids, hydraulic fluids, dirt, dust, moisture, mildew, physical abrasion or damage from handling and short circuits. Coated boards therefore can be protected from environmental, mechanical and electrical interferences.

The conformal coatings of the prior art have utilized chemistries such as acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, polyimide, epoxies, and parylene. These formulations, however, have suffered from several disadvantages. For example, conformal coatings formed from polyurethaneε, acrylics, epoxy and silicone are two part systems which must be mixed prior to applica¬ tion and require continuous monitoring and solvent additions to control viscosity. These formulations usually also require long drying/curing times and release large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC) during curing.

Conformal coating systems based on acrylics are excellent from a production standpoint. However, acrylic coatings typically are formed by solvent evaporation which generates large amounts of VOC. Conventional acrylic coatings also are soluble in chlorinated solvents such as tricholorethane or methylene chloride.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Conformal coatings based on polyurethanes are available as either single or two-component systems. Polyurethane coatings offer excellent humidity and chemical resistance and good dielectric properties. Single-component urethanes are relatively easy to apply and exhibit relatively long working pot life. However, single-component polyurethanes typically require a curing time of three to ten days at room temperature to reach optimum physical characteristics. Two-component polyurethanes typically achieve optimum cure at elevated temperatures within one to three hours, but exhibit relatively short working pot life.

Surface preparation of substrates prior to appli¬ cation of polyurethane based coatings is also impor- tant, since even minute quantities of moisture on a substrate board could produce blistering under humid conditions. Blisters, in turn, may lead to electrical failures and mandate costly rework. Polyurethane coatings are insoluble in most common solvents, which is a drawback to rework. Thus, replacement of a component on a polyurethane coated board requires a corrosive stripper to remove effectively all traces of the polyurethane film. However, extreme caution must be exercised when such a stripper is used, because the stripper also may corrode metallic surfaces on the board.

Epoxy resin systems also have been employed for conformal coating of printed circuit boards. Epoxy resins are available as two component systems only. Epoxy resin coatings provide good humidity resistance and high abrasive and chemical resistance. However, epoxy resins are virtually impossible to remove chemi¬ cally for rework because any stripper that will attack the coating also will attack the epoxy-glass of the printed circuit board as well. Thus, the only effec¬ tive way to repair an epoxy resin coated board is to burn through the epoxy coating with a hot knife or

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

soldering iron. However, burning introduces a cosmetic defect which is unacceptable to many consumers. Moreover, epoxy resins shrink somewhat during cure. Accordingly, a buffer material must be placed around fragile electronic components to prevent fracturing from shrinkage. Curing of epoxy systems can be accomplished in one to three hours at elevated temperature, or four to seven days at room tempera¬ ture. Epoxy resins exhibit a relatively short working pot life which is an additional disadvantage.

Silicone resins have been employed for conformal coatings. Silicone resin coatings provide high humidity and corrosion resistance along with high temperature resistance which makes silicone resins preferred for coating printed circuit assemblies that contain high heat-dissipating components such as power resistors. However, silicone resins are relatively thick and therefore difficult to apply. Moreover, silicone resins require a relatively long cure time, and repairability is difficult. The only effective way to repair a silicone resin coated circuit board is to mechanically remove the coating.

The prior art has employed polyimides for con¬ formal coating circuit boards. Polyimide coatings provide high-temperature, moisture and chemical resistance over extended periods of time. However, polyimide coatings require high temperature cure (one to three hours at 200° to 250°C) which can damage heat sensitive electronic components. Also, since polyimides are high-temperature, moisture and chemical resistant, the only effective way to repair a poly¬ imide coated board is to mechanically remove the coating.

Several of these disadvantages have been addressed by use of ultraviolet (UV) curable conformal coatings. The UV curable coatings of the art are one part systems which usually are devoid of solvents to

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

thereby reduce or eliminate the (VOC) emission. These systems are cured rapidly by UV to provide tack-free coatings via free-radical or cationic polymerization. This enables immediate handling of the coated articles for further processing, storage or shipping. More¬ over, use of UV curable coatings reduces overall processing time and energy costs as compared to thermally cured coatings.

The UV cured systems of the art have been useful for coating flat surfaces. However, printed circuit boards which bear electronic components tend to be oddly configured. These odd configurations cause shadow areas which cannot be reached by UV radiation. The coated portions in these shadow areas therefore remain wet and cannot be handled immediately. Secon¬ dary cure mechanisms such as heat have been employed to polymerize these shadowed areas. The drawback of heat induced secondary curing, however, is that temperatures of up to 100°C are required to cure the shadowed areas. These temperatures can adversely affect sensitive electronic components.

A need therefore exists for conformal coatings which overcomes the above drawbacks. I therefore have developed a novel, dual-curing conformal coating composition that is a solvent-free low viscosity liquid that rapidly cures into a tack-free polymer when exposed to UV light. Those portions of the coatings which are not cured by UV can be cured in less than 24 hours by a moisture cure component provided in the coating formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Ultraviolet curable polymerizable coating systems having a built-in secondary moisture curing mechanism are disclosed. The polymerizable coating system is a one component system comprising the reaction product of an organic polyisocyanate, an acrylate substituted

SUBSTITUTE SHEE-

polyol, and an alkoxysilane substituted amine. These reaction products have the composition of either one of Formulae (I), (II) or (III):

(R 3 0) m Si-R 1

(I)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

NH

(CH 2 ) n -Si(OR 3)rn

(ID

IL HN- NH

(R 3 0) m Si-R 5

(HI) In each of Formulae (I) and (II) , R can be an alkyl radical of C 2 -C ]2 ; -(CH 2 ) 2n where n = 1-6,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

preferably 6; cycloalkyl substituted alkyl such as dicyclohexyl methane and the like; aryl substituted alkyl such as stilbene, biphenyl methane 2,4-cumene and the like, aryl such as diphenyl, anthracene, naphthalene and the like; halo substituted aryl such as 4-chloro-l, 3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l,3-phenylene, and the like; alkoxy phenylene such as 4-ethoxy-l, 3-phenyl and the like; aryl ethers such as diphenyl ether and the like; alkyl substituted phenylene such as 2,4- dimethy1-1,3-phenylene, 4, 6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene and the like; polymethylenes such as tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, and cycloalkylenes such as cyclohexyl, benzofuran, amyl benzene; aryl such as phenyl, Biphenyl, 1, 5-naphtahalene, antracene and the like; alkoxy substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-

1,3-phenylene, and the like; alkyl substituted aryl such as 5,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene, 2,4,-dimethyl-l, ->- phenylene, 4,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene, and the like; aryl ether such as 2,4-diphenyl ether and the like; alkoxy substit rted aryl alkyl such as 3, 3'-dimethoxy- 4,4'-phenyl methane, and the like; alkylene such as tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, and the like and hetero chains such as -R'-[0(CH 2 ) x -0] y -R' where R* = R as defined above, x = 2-10 and y = 1-10;

R, represents a linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radical substituted with an alkoxy silane, preferably a trialkoxy silane moiety. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed as R, have from 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec- eicosyl, n-hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

R 2 is at least one of H , -CH 3 , -C 2 H 5 , C 3 H 7 , C 4 H 8 ;

R 3 is at least one of -CH 3 , -C 2 H 5 ; and n is 2-20 .

In Forumla (III) : X is any of O, N and S, with the proviso that when X is either O or S, R, is not present; n is an integer from 2 to 20; m is an integer from 1-3;

R and R 2 are the same as in Formulae (I) and (II) ; R 3 is the same as Formulae (I) and (II) ;

R 4 can be any of R, as in formula (I) and (II) , C,- C 25 branched or straight alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec- eicosyl, n-hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl; aryl such as phenyl, biphenyl, 1,5-naphthalene, anthracene, and the like; substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-1,3-pheny¬ lene, 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l, 3-phenylene and the like; and R 5 -Si-(OR 3 ) m where m=l-3.

R s can be any of formula (6) or (7)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

(CH 2 ): NH (β;

and,

R 7 Y X NH R 6 — (7)

where p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is any of O, S or N

In Formulae (6) and (7) R 6 is any of C 2 -C 25 straight and branched alkyl such as ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3- dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5- dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl- 2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec-eicosyl, n- hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl; aryl such as phenyl, biphenyl, 1,5-naphthalene, anthracene, and the like; substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-l, 3-phenylene, 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l,3-phenylene and the like.

R 7 is any of branched or straight alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, but.-l, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-αodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2-methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec-eicosyl, n-hexaeicosyl, and n- docosyl; aryl such as phenyl, biphenyl, 1,5- naphthalene, anthracene, and the like and substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 4-chloro- 1,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l, 3-phenylene and the like.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

In resin compositions which include reaction products corresponding to those of Formulae (I) , (II) and (III) , a catalyst may be included to increase the rate of moisture curing, and a photoinitiator may be included to increase the rate of UV curing. Surfac¬ tants to enhance the flow characteristics of the composition also can be included.

A particular feature and advantage of the inven¬ tion is that UV radiation produces extremely rapid, dry-to-the-touch curing of exposed areas of the coating to permit immediate handling of the coated products. The rapid drying also acts to retain the shape of the coating which might otherwise sag and creep. The secondary moisture curing provides substantially complete cure of unexposed (shadow) areas of the coating under conditions of ambient temperature and humidity.

The term "dry-to-the-touch" as used herein with reference to physical properties of the materials, is to be understood as referring to such properties as they exist under conditions as may be specified. For example, the term "dry-to-the-touch" is to be under¬ stood as referring respectively to physical states wherein a material is resistant to change in shape and is without free surface moisture or surface tackiness. The UV curable coating formulations of the present invention primarily are intended for applica¬ tion to electronic circuit boards. However, due to the configuration of many circuit boards, there are areas of the board that are in the shadow of other components such that they cannot be cured by UV light. To overcome this deficiency, a second curing mechanism has been built into the coating system.

The radiation curable resin formulations of the invention may be used as coatings on various substrates including, but not limited to, glass, ceramic, concrete, metal, plastic, brick, paper,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

cardboard, wood, resilient flooring, e.g., vinyl and vinyl-asbestos tile and vinyl sheet goods, and the like. Coating thicknesses may range from 0.25 to 5 mils. The conformal coatings of the invention are especially useful to protect printed circuit boards that have sensitive electronic components from corrosion due to fluids, hydraulic fluids, dirt, dust, moisture, mildew, abrasion, and damage from handling. For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying, non-limiting examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the dual curing resin compositions of the invention include a resin oligomer of either one of Formula (I) , (II) or (III) , acrylate monomers, photoinitiators, catalysts, and surfactants. A typical formulation includes 40-80% resin oligomer of Formula (I), (II) or (III), preferably 45% to 75%; ?0- 60% monomer acrylates, preferably 25 to 55%, most preferably 25%; 2-8% photoinitiator, preferably 2 to 4%, most preferably 3%; 1-3% catalyst, preferably 1- 2%, most preferably 1%; and 0-2% of a surfactant, preferably 0.5-1%. The resulting compositions can be cured by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, optionally together with exposure to moisture in air.

The resin oligomers of the invention which may be used to provide the conformal coating formulations of the invention may be formed by methods known to one skilled in the art. However, several methods in accordance with the invention enable formation of the oligomers of Formulae (I) , (II) or (III) from commercially available reactants. In a first method, resin oligomers according to Formulae (I) , or (II) , as well as oligomers of Formula (III) where X is

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

nitrogen, are formed by reacting a urea derivative and an acrylate substituted diol. Typically, the resin oligomer is made by reacting 1-6 moles of urea derivative with 1-3 moles of the acrylate substituted diol. The urea derivative typically is made by reacting 1-6 moles of a diisocyanate with 1-3 moles of amine. The amine employed can be a secondary amine substituted with alkyl groups substituted with an alkoxysilane moiety, preferably a trialkoxy silane moiety.

In an alternative method of forming the resin oligomers of the invention, the urea derivative produced in the first method described above is reacted with both an isocyanate and a diol disubstituted with acrylate or methacrylate moieties. The reaction ratio of the equivalent weights of diol to isocyanate can be 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 2.

Oligomers of Formula (III) , where X is oxygen, can be formed by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate and an alcohol. Oligomers of Formula

(III) , where X is sulpher, can be formed by reacting a polyol with a polyisocyanate and a thiol. Typically 2- 6 moles of polyol are reacted with 1-3 moles of polyisocyanate and 1-3 moles of alcohol or thiol to obtain the desired oligomer.

As discussed above, resin oligomers of Formula (I) are produced by reacting a urea derivative and an acrylate substituted diol. The urea derivatives employed in this reaction correspond to Formula (JL) :

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

O

OCN R NH

(I)

where R represents an alkyl radical of C 2 -C I2 ; -(CH 2 ) 2n where n = 1-6, preferably 6; cycloalkyl substituted alkyl such as dicyclohexyl methane and the like; aryl substituted alkyl such as stilbene, biphenyl methane 2,4-cumene and the like; aryl such as diphenyl, anthracene, naphthalene and the like; halo substituted aryl such as 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l,3- phenylene, and the like; alkoxy phenylene such as 4-ethoxy-l, 3-phenyl and the like; aryl ethers such as diphenyl ether and the like; alkyl substituted phenylene such as 2,4-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene, 4,6- dimethyl-l,3-phenylene and the like; polymethylenes such as tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, and cycloalkylenes such as cyclohexyl, benzofuran, amyl benzene; aryl such as phenyl, Biphenyl, 1,5- naphtahalene, antracene and the like; alkoxy substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-l, 3-phenylene, and the like; alkyl substituted aryl such as 5,6- dimethyl-1,3-phenylene, 2,4,-dimethyl-1, 3-phenylene, 4,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene, and the like; aryl ether such as 2,4-diphenyl ether and the like; alkoxy substituted aryl alkyl such as 3, 3'-dimethoxy-4,4'- phenyl methane, and the like; alkylene such as

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, and the like, and hetero chains such as -R'-[0(CH 2 ) x -0] y -R' where R' = R as defined above, x = 2-10 and y = 1-10;

R j represents a linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radical substituted with an alkoxy silane, preferably a trialkoxy silane moiety. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed as R : have from 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec- eicosyl, n-hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl; Preferably, R is either dicyclohexylmethane or hexamethylene, most preferably dicyclohexylmethane. Preferably, R, iε a linear or branched primary alkyl or a linear secondary alkyl radical having from 2 to 4 carbons such as ethyl, propyl, or butyl, most preferably propyl. More preferably, R, is a linear or branched primary alkyl group having from 2 to 3, most preferably three carbon atoms; both R, substituents may be the same or different. R 3 may be any one of linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radicals having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; both R 3 substituents may be the same or different. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed as R 3 include C 4 H 8 , preferably C 2 H 4 , most preferably C 3 H 6 .

The urea derivatives of Formula (JL) are formed by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with a secondary amine or primary amine. Of these polyisocyanates, diisocyanates are preferred due to cost and availability. Typical diisocyanates which may be used in synthesis of the urea derivatives employed to

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

provide the resin oligomers of the invention include but are not limited to 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate; cumene-2,4-diisocyanate; 4-methoxy-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-bromo-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-ethoxy-l,3- phenylene diisocyanate; 2,4 / -diisocyanato diphenyl ether; 5,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 2,4-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4,4'- diisocyanato diphenyl ether; benzidine diisocyanate; 4,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 9,10- anthracene diisocyanate; 4,4'-diisocyanato diphenyl; 2, -diisocyanatostilbene, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'- diisocyanato phenyl methane; 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'- diisocyanato diphenyl; 1,4-anthracene diisocyanate; 2,5-fluorene diisocyanate; 1,8-naphthalene diiso¬ cyanate, 2,6-diisocyanato benzfuran; amyl benzene- 2,4-diisocyanate; polymethylene diisocyanates such as tetramethylene diisocyanate, pentamethylene diiso¬ cyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and the like; cycloaklylene diisocyanates such as cyclohexylene- 1,4-diisocyanate; 4,4'-methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) ; isophorone diisocyanate; hetero chain diisocyanates such as OCN-R-[ (OCCH 2 ) m -0] n R-NCO when R is as defined above, m=2-10, and n=l-10. Useful secondary amines which may be employed to react with the above diiε .cyanates to form the urea derivatives (JL) employed to produce the resin oligomers of Formulae (I) and (II) , as well as the oligomers of Formula (III) where X is N, include amino compounds of formula (2 . )

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

(2)

where m =1-3, R λ is a linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radical substituted with an alkoxy silane, preferably a trialkoxy silane moiety. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed as R have from 2 to 12 carbon atoms such as ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, dodecyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2- ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2- hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, 2-heptadecyl, 2 methyl-2- hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexadecyl, n-nonadecyl, n- eicosyl, sec-eicosyl, n-heneicosyl, and n-docosyl. Preferably R, is a linear or branched primary alkyl or a linear secondary alkyl radical having from 2 to 4 carbons. Most preferably, R, is a linear or branched primary alkyl group having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms; both Ri substituents may be the same or different. R 3 may be any one of linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radicals having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed as R 3 include C 4 H 8 , C 2 H 4 , C 3 H 6 . Typically, 1-6 moles of diisocyanates can be reacted with 1-3 moles of the amine to provide urea derivatives which may be employed in the invention.

A urea derivative of Formula (JL) is reacted with an acrylate substituted diol of Formula (3.)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

(2)

where R 2 is any of H, -CH 3 , -C 2 H 5 , or Cι~C 4 alkyl, and n = 2-20 to provide the resin oligomers of Formula

(I) defined above.

The resin oligomers of the Formula (II) are formed by reacting a urea derivative of the above Formula (1) with:

(a) an isocyanate of Formula (4.)

NCO-(CH 2 ); - Si(OR 4 ) j (4)

where i = 2-20, preferably 6; j = 1-3, preferably 3; R, is Cι~C 4 alkyl, preferably CH 3 or C 2 H 5 ; and

(b) an acrylate substituted diol of Formula (3 . ) • Non-limiting examples of isocyanate reactants which may be employed include 3-isocyanatopropyl trimethoxysilane; 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane; 4-isocyanatobutyl trimethoxysilane; 4-isocyanato butyl triethoxysilane; 5-isocyanatopentyltrimethoxysilane; 5-isocyanato pentyltriethoxysilane; 6-isocyanatohexyl trimethoxysilane; and 6-isocyanato hexyl triethoxysilane, preferably, 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane and 3-isocyanatopropyl trimethoxysilane; most preferably 3-isocyanatopropyl trimethoxysilane.

Resin Oligomers according to formula (III) can be formed using several different syntheεiε routes depending on whether X is nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur. When X is nitrogen, oligomers of formula (III) are produced by reacting a polyol, typically an acrylate

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

substituted diol, with a urea derivative of formula (5).

Urea derivitives of formula (5) uεeful in making oligomers of formula (III) where X is nitrogen have the general formula:

O

C , R 4

OCN NH N

(5) where R and R 3 are as defined in Formula (I) and (II) ; 4 is any of R, as defined above in formula (III) , C ! -C 25 branched or straight alkyl such as ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3- dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5- dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl- 2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec-eicosyl, n- hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl; aryl such as phenyl, biphenyl, 1,5-naphthalene, anthracene, and the like, substituted aryl 5,6-dimethyl-l, 3-phenylene, 2,4- dimethyl-1,3-phenylene, 4-ethoxy-1,3-phenylene, 4- chloro-1,3-phenylene and the like and R,-Si-(OR 3 ) m ; where R,, R 3 and m are the same as in Formula (I) above;

R 5 represents any of formulae ( 6 . ) or (2)

SUBSTITUTE SHEE1

(CH,) NH

2 P '6 (S)

O

NH R 6 — (Z)

where p is an integer from 2 to 25; Y is any of 0, S or N; and Rg and R 7 are as defined in Formula (III) .

The urea derivatives of Formula ( 5 ) are formed by reacting an organic polyisocyanate compound with a secondary amine or primary amine. Of these polyiso- cyanates, diisocyanates are preferred due to cost and availability. Typical diisocyanates which may be used in synthesis of the urea derivatives employed to provide the resin oligomers of the invention include but are not limited to 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate; cumene-2,4-diisocyanate; 4-methoxy-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-chloro-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-bromo-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4-ethoxy-l,3- phenylene diisocyanate and 2,4'-diisocyanato diphenyl ether.

Useful secondary amines which may be employed to react with the above diisocyanates to form the urea derivatives ( 5) employed to produce the resin oligomers of Formula (III) include amino compounds having the formula (8.)

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

HN

Hi

where m =1-3, R 3 may be any one of linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radicals having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl radicals which may be employed include C 4 H 8 , C 2 H 4 , C 3 H 6 ; R 3 is a linear or branched primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl radical which has 2 to 4 carbon atoms. R 4 is any of Ri, as defined above in Formula (I) , C,-C 25 branched or straight alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-dodecyl, 3-dodecyl, 2,3-dimethyl decyl, 2-ethyl decyl, 2,5-dimethyldecyl, n-penta decyl, 2-hexa decyl, n-hepta decyl, 2-hepta decyl, 2 methyl-2-hepta decyl, 2-ethyl-2-hexa decyl, n-nona decyl, n-eicosyl, sec-eicosyl, n-hexaeicosyl, and n-docosyl; aryl such as phenyl, biphenyl, 1,5- naphthalene, anthracene, and the like; substituted aryl such as 4-methoxy-1,3-phenylene, 4-chloro- 1,3-phenylene, 4-bromo-l,3-phenylene and the like; and R j -Si-(OR 3 ) m where m is an integer from 1-3; R 5 is any of formulae (.6) or (2) and Rή and R 7 are the same as are defined in Formula (III) .

Typically, 1-6 moles of the above diisocyanates can be reacted with 1-3 moles of the above amines to provide urea derivatives of formula (5.) which may be employed to provide oligomers of Formula (III) .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

The urea derivatives of Formula (5) produced by reaction of diisocyanate and amine is reacted with an acrylate substituted diol of Formula (3.) to provide the resin oligomers of Formula (III) described above. Generally, when producing a composition of Formula (III) where X is N, a polyisocyanate is reacted with an amine to form a urea derivative which is subsequently reacted with a polyol. The amine can be a secondary amine containing an alkoxy silane substitituent. The polyol can be a diol substituted with acrylate moieties and methacrylate moieties. In the manufacture of oligomers of Formula (III) where X is oxygen, the polyol is reacted with a polyisocyanate and an alcohol, instead of a urea derivative. In the manufacture of oligomers of Formula (III) where X is sulfur, the polyol is reacted with a thiol instead of a urea derivative.

Oligomers of Formula (III) where X is oxygen thus can be formed by reacting a polyol, such as an acrylate substituted diol of formula (3 . ) , with a polyisocyanate and an alcohol having a carbamate substituent. Typically 1-3 moles of the alcohol are reacted with 1-3 moles of the polyisocyanate and 2-6 moles of the acrylate substituted diol to form an oligomer according to Formula (III) wherein X is oxygen. This reaction can be accomplished by reacting a polyol and a polyisocyanate to form a first intermediate, and then reacting an alcohol having a carbamate substituent and a polyisocyante to form a second intermediate. The first and second intermediates can then be reacted to form an oligomer according to formula (III) .

A second method of providing oligomers of formula (III) where X is oxygen is to react a polyol with a diisocyanate compound and an alcohol having a carbamate substituent to form an oligomer according to formula (III) . Polyols uεeful for thiε reaction

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

include acrylate substituted diols of formula (2) . Because of their relatively low cost and availability, diiocyanates are preferred as the polyisocyantes for producing oligomers of Formula (III) wherein X is oxygen. Useful diisocyanates include but are not limited to 4,4'-diisocyanato diphenyl; 2,4- diisocyanatostilbene, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-diisocyanato phenyl methane; 3,3'-dimethoxy-4 , 4 '-diisocyanato diphenyl; 1,4-anthracene diisocyanate; 2,5-fluorene diisocyanate; 1,8-naphthalene diisocyanate, 2,6-diiso- cyanato benzfuran; amyl benzene-2,4-diisocyanate; polymethylene diisocyanates such as tetramethylene diisocyanate, pentamethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and the like; cycloaklylene diisocyanates such as cyclohexylene-l,4-diisocyanate; 4 , 4 '-methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate); isophorone diisocyanate; hetero chain diisocyanates such as OCN-R-[ (OCCH 2 ) m -0] D R-NCO wherein R is as defined above in Formula (I) , m=2-10, and n=l-10. Alcohols useful in this method of synthesis have the general formula (9 . )

(R 3 0) m - Si - R 5 - OH (9)

wherein R 3 and R 5 are defined as above. An example of a suitable alcohol is 1,3-dimethyl-3-hydroxy,butyl N-(3- triethoxysilyl propyl) carbamate.

When X is sulfur in the oligomers of formula (III) , synthesis can be accomplished by reacting 1-3 moles of thiol with 2-6 moles of a polyisocyanate and 1-3 moles of an acrylate substituted diol according to formula (2) to form an oligomer according to Formula

(III). Suitable poly-isocyanates are the same as those useful in the synthesis of oligomers of Formula (III) wherein X is oxygen. Diisocyantes are preferred.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Suitable disocyantes include but are not limited to 2,4-dimethyl-l, 3-phenylene diisocyanate; 4,4'- diisocyanato diphenyl ether; benzidine diisocyanate; 4,6-dimethyl-l,3-phenylene diisocyanate; 9,10- anthracene diisocyanate; 4,4'-diisocyanato diphenyl; 2,4-diisocyanatostilbene, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'- diisocyanato phenyl methane; 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'- diisocyanato diphenyl; 1,4-anthracene diisocyanate; 2,5-fluorene diisocyanate; 1,8-naphthalene diiso- cyanate, 2,6-diiεocyanato benzfuran; amyl benzen -

2,4-diisocyanate; polymethylene diisocyanates such as tetramethylene diisocyanate, pentamethylene diiso¬ cyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and the like; cycloaklylene diisocyanates such as cyclohexylene- 1,4-diisocyanate; 4,4'-methylene bis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) ; isophorone diisocyanate; hetero chain diisocyanates such as OCN-R-[ (OCCH 2 ) m -0] n R-NCO wherein R is as defined above, m=2-10, and n=l-10.

Thiols useful in the synthesis of compounds of formula (III) where X is sulfur have the general formula

(R 3 0) m - Si - R 5 - SH (10)

where R 3 , R 5 , R ή and R 7 are aε defined above in Formula (III) . An example of a suitable thiol is 3-mercapto propyl-N-(3-triethoxysilyl propyl) thio carbamate.

The resin oligomers of the invention can be diluted with reactive acrylate or methacrylate monomers to provide the desired conformal, dual curing resin formulations. Catalyεtε for moisture curing and photoinitiators for increaεing the rate of UV curing may be included in the reεin formulation. Surfactants for flow and coating characteristics also may be included. The conformal resin compositions of the invention may include additional additives such as antioxidants, inhibitors, activators, fillers, pigments, dyes,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

antiεtatic agentε, flame-retardant agentε, thickeners, thixotropic agents, εurface-active agents, viscosity modifiers, plasticizers and the like. Such additives generally are preblended prior to formulating with the conformal resin compositions. The additional addi¬ tives may be present in amounts up to 8 parts or more per 92 parts of curable resin composition by weight, preferably 1 to 8 parts by weight. The type and amount of additive must be selected with care so that the final composition remains radiation curable under conditions of expoεure. Useful surfactantε include non-ionic typeε εuch aε Fluorad brand (3M) and Igepalε from GAF.

Useful reactive acrylate or methacrylate employed diluents correεpond to formula (11)

CH,

(11)

wherein R 8 iε a radical εelected from the group of hydrogen and lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R<, is an organic radical of C 8 -C 20 containing an other acrylate group or a heterosubstituted alkyl radical such as tetrahydrofuryl; 2-methoxy-ethyl; 2-ethoxy- ethyl; 2-(2-ethoxy-ethoxy) and ethyl; 2-phenoxy ethyl; glycidyl; triethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Preferably, R, iε an aliphatic or subεtituted aliphatic carbon ring εtructure εuch aε dicyclopentyloxyethyl. Other allylic-bond containing carbon ring εtructures such as dicyclopentenyl which is given as exemplary also may be employed. Additional examples of acrylate or methacrylate monomers for diluting the resin

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

oligomer include but not limited to bisphenol-A diacrylate; bisphenol-A dimethacrylate; isobornyl acrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate; diethylene glycol dimethacrylate; ethylhexyl acrylate; ethylhexyl methacrylate; 1, 6-hexanediol diacrylate; 1,6- hexanediol dimethacrylate; neopentyl glycol diacrylate; neopentyl glycol dimethacrylate; pentaer thritol tetraacrylate; pentaerythritol triacrylate; polyethylene glycol diacrylate; polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate; tetraethylene glycol diacrylate; tetraethylene glycol dimeth¬ acrylate; triethylene glycol diacrylate; triethylene glycol dimethacrylate; trimethylolpropane triacrylate; trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. Vinyl ether mono erε can alεo be employed aε diluents. Examples of these diluents include but are not limited to tetraethylene glycol divinylether, 1,4- cyclohexanedimethanol divinyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl- vinylether, dodecylvinylether, trivinyl ether of trimethylolethane, hydroxybutyl vinyl ether and divinyl ether of 1,4-butanediol.

The amount of monomer diluent added can vary between wide limits. Generally, 10 to 60% by weight of the composition, preferably 40 to 60% by weight is added. The reaction mixture further may include tita- nateε and photoinitiatorε aε catalysts for moisture curing and free radical and cationic polymerization, respectively.

As indicated, photoinitiators may be included with the conformal resin formulations to assist in UV curing. Various photoinitiators are operable and well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of photo¬ initiators include, but are not limited to, benzo- phenone, acetophenone, acenaphthene-quinone, methyl ethyl ketone, valerophenone, hexanophenone, α-phenyl- butyrophenone, p-morpholinopropiophenone, dibenzosu- berone, 4-morpholinobenzophenone, 4-morpholinodeoxy-

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

benzoin, p-diacetylbenzene, 4-aminobenzophenone, 4'-methoxyacetophenone, benzaldehyde, α-tetralone, 9-acetylphenanthrene, 2-acetylphenanthrene, 10-thioxanthenone, 3-acetylphenanthrene, 3-acetylindole, 9-fluorenone, 1-indanone, 1,3,4- triacetylbenzene, thioxanthen-9-one, xanthene-9-one, benzoin isobutyl ether, chloroxanthone, benzoin tetrahydropyranyl ether, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, 7-H-benzoin methyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, ben[de]anthracene-7-one,

1-naphthaldehyde, 4,4'-bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone, fluorene-9-one, l'-acetonaphthone, 2'acetonaphthone, o-methoxybenzophenone, triphenylphosphine, tri-o- tolylphosphine, benz[a]anthracene 7,12 dione, 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone and 2, 3-butanedione, which serve to give greatly reduced exposure times. Photoinitiators, such as those above, when used in conjunction with energetic radiation, yield very rapid time cycles. The photoinitiators are usually added in an amount ranging from 2 to 8% by weight of the photocurable composition.

The reεin formulation may be cured by either UV radiation or high energy ionizing radiation. Secondary curing of portionε of the resin formulation not exposed to the radiation may be cured by exposure to moisture. The UV radiation can be obtained from sunlight or special light sources which emit signifi¬ cant amounts of U.V. light having a wavelength in the range of about 2000 to about 4000 Angstrom units. Any type of actinic light from any source may be used in carrying out the method of this invention. For liquid photocurable compositionε, it is preferred that the light emanate from a point source or in the form of parallel rays. Divergent beams, are however, also operable as a source of actinic light.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

A class of actinic light useful herein is ultraviolet light, as well as other forms of actinic radiation which are normally found in radiation emitted from the sun or from artificial sourceε such as Type RS Sunlamps, carbon arc lamps, xenon arc lamps, mercury vapor lamps, tungsten halide lamps ana the like. Ultraviolet radiation may be used most efficiently if the photocurable acrylate composition contains a suitable photo-curing rate accelerator. Curing periods may be adjusted to proper choice of ultraviolet source, photocuring rate accelerator and concentration thereof, temperature and the oligomer and monomer diluents. Curing periods of lesε than about 1 second duration are posεible, eεpecially in thin film application such as desired, for example, in coatings, adhesiveε and photoimaged surfaces. The preferred free radical generator for the curing reaction is actinic radiation, suitably in the wavelength of about 2000 to 7500A 0 , preferably from 2000 to 4000A°.

The radiation curable compoεitionε of the invention also can be primarily cured by high energy ionizing irradiation such as by high energy particle irradiation, gamma-rays or X-rays. Irradiation employing high energy particles includes use of positive ions, (e.g., protons, alpha particles and deuterons) , electrons and neutrons. The charged particles may be accelerated to high energies by means of various voltage gradient mechanisms such as a Van de Graaf generator, a cyclotron, a Cockroft Walton accelerator, a resonant cavity accelerator, a betatron, a G.E. resonant transformer, a εynchrotron or the like. Furthermore, particle irradiation may also be supplied from radioactive isotopeε or an atomic pile. Gamma rayε or X-rayε may be obtained from radioiεotopeε (e.g., cobalt 60) or by particle

SUBSTITU T E S:-:ΓΞT

bombardment or suitable target material (e.g., high energy electrons on a gold metal target) .

Conventional polymerization inhibitors or retarders may be added to the reεin formulation to stabilize the components or curable compositions so as to prevent premature onset of curing during storage. Examples of inhibitors and retarders may include hydroquinone; p-tert-butyl catechol; 2,6-di-tert- butyl-p-methylphenol; phenothiazine; N-phenyl-2- naphthylamine; phosphorous acid; pyrogallol and the like.

Inhibitors which are preferred include hydro- quinoneε, benzoquinoneε, naphthoquinones, phenan- thraquinoneε, anthraquinoneε, and εubεtituted compoundε of any of the foregoing. Additionally, variouε phenolε can be employed aε inhibitors, the preferred one being 1,6-di-tert-buty1-4-methyl phenol.

The following examples are set out to explain, but expresεly not limit, the instant invention. Unless otherwise specified, all parts and percentages are by weight.

EXAMPLE 1 45.1 g of commercially available (Union Carbide) 3-trimethoxysilyl di-n-propyl amine is added dropwise to a 3-necked flask containing 34.5 g dicyclohexyl- methane-4,4 '-diisocyanate and 0.3 g COTIN 200 a urethane catalyεt available (Caεchem Inc.). The reaction exothermε to 70°C and iε continued at 90-95° for 1-2 hourε for completion of reaction. To the reaction product iε added 32.6 g of 3-iεocyanatopropyl triethoxyεilane available from Union Carbide, prefer¬ ably all at once, along with 0.16 g. hydroquinone monomethylether (MEHQ) . Started bubbling dry air (grade O) through the reaction mixture and added 53.3 g 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2-hydroxypropyl) ether, all at once. The reaction temperature is raised to

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

80-85°C and maintained at this temperature until complete as shown by the diεappearance of the NCO band by infra-red spectroscopy. The resulting resin oligomer has the following Formula (la) :

SUBSTITUTESHEET

HN SI(OEt)

(la)

EXAMPLE 2 A dual curable reεin formulation containing the reεin oligomer of Formula (Ia) is made up as follows: 72.2 g of the oligomer of Formula (Ia) of Example 1 is admixed with reactive diluent of 13.8 g isobornyl acrylate available from Sartomer Co., Exton, PA, a reactive diluent of 5.0 g. Ebecryl 110 available from Radcure Specialties Inc., a reactive diluent of 5.0 g 7-Methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane available from Union Carbide under the tradename A-174, a moisture cure catalyst of 1.0 g Tyzor TBT available from DuPont, and 3.0 g Irgacure 184 photoinitiator available from Ciba-Geigy. The mixture iε heated to 60°C, with εtirring, in a flaεk in total darkneεε and protected from moisture until a homogenous mixture is formed. The resulting solution is stored in an amber container to protect the contents from light. This formulation, referred to as Resin Formulation (A) , is

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

cured by exposing it to a 400 watts mercury vapor lamp generating (200-400 nm) for 10-20 seconds. The resulting polymer film is teεted for mechanical and electrical propertieε according to ASTM methodε D142, D150, and D257. The reεultε are liεted in Table I.

EXAMPLE 3 90.1 g of commercially available 3-trimethoxy- silyl di-n-propyl amine available from (Union Carbide) is added dropwise to a 3-neck flask containing 44.4 g of 1,6-diisocyanatohexane and 0.2 g COTIN 200®, dibutyl tin dilacrylate from Caschem Co. The tempera¬ ture of the reaction mixture is maintained at 90-95°C for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled at 70°C, whereafter 0.18 g hydroquinone monoemthylether (MEHQ) is added. Passage of dry air (grade O) through the reaction cycle is initiated and 50 g of 1,4-butanediol di (3-acryloxy-2-hydroxoypropyl) ether is added all at once. The reaction temperature is raised to 80-85°C and maintained at that temperature until complete as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by IR spectroscopy. The resulting resin oligomer product of Formula (Ila) is produced:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

HN- -<CH 2 ) 6 - NH

(Ila)

EXAMPLE 4 70 g of the Oligomer of Formula (Ila) is admixed with 17.5 g isobornyl acrylate, 6.25 g Methacryloxy- proply trimethoxysilane available from Union Carbide under the tradename A-174, 6.25 g Ebecryl 110, 1.0 g. Tyzor TBT and 3.0 g Irgacure 184. The mixture is warmed to 60°C, with mixing, until a homogenous solution is produced. The resulting resin, referred to as Resin Formulation (B) , is cured by UV radiation as described in example 2. The resultε of the tests performed on the coating formulation produced are given in Table I.

EXAMPLE 5 93.6 g of commercially available 3-trimethoxy- silyl di-n-propyl amine is added, dropwise, to a three necked flask containing 71.8 g dicyclohexylmethane- 4,4 '-diisocyanate and 0.36 g COTIN 200®. The temperature of the reaction mixture is raised to 90-

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

95°C and maintained at this temperature for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to 70°C whereafter 0.21 g MEHQ is added. Dry air (grade O) then is bubbled through the reaction mixture during the reaction cycle, and 51 g of 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2- hydroxy propyl) ether is added all at once. The reaction temperature is raised to 80-85°C and main¬ tained at thiε temperature until complete as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by IR spectroscopy. The reεulting reεin oligomer product haε the εtructure below:

<CH 2 ) 3 -SI(OMe) 3

(CH 2 ) 3 -SI(OMe) 3

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

EXAMPLE 6 58.4 g of the Oligomer of example 5 iε admixed with 30.8 g isobornyl acrylate, 10.8 g A-174, 1.0 g Tyzor TBT and 3.0 g Irgacure 184. The mixture is warmed to 60°C, with stirring, until a homogenouε solution is produced. The resulting Resin Formulation (C) is cured by UV radiation as described in example 2. The results of the tests conducted on the polymer obtained from Formulation C are tabulated in Table I.

TABLE I

EXAMPLE 7 50.0 g of N-methylaminopropyl trimethoxysilane (commercially available from Huls America Inc.) is added dropwise to a 4-necked flask containing 92.6 g of Mondur 744 available from Miles, 0.34 g of Cotin® 200, (a urethane catalyst available from Caschem Inc.), 0.3 g of hydroquinone monomethylether (MEHQ) , 108.19 g of 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate (Commercially available from Sartomer Co. , Exton, PA as Sartomer 340), and 72.0 g of isodecyl acrylate (Commercially available from Sautomer Co. , Exton, PA aε Sartomer 395) . The addition rate of the N-methylaminopropyl trimethoxyεilane iε εuch that the reaction temperature does not rise above 25-30°C. After the completion of addition of the N-methylaminopropyl trimethoxysilane,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

the reaction temperature is raised to about 80-85°C and maintained in this range for about 1 hour. Then 44.75 g of 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2- hydroxypropyl) ether is added all at once. The reaction temperature is raised to about 80-85°C and maintained at this temperature until the reaction is complete as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by infrared spectroscopy (usually about 2 hours) . To the resin formed is added 9.86 g of Irgacure 184 (a photoinitiator commercially available from Ciba- Geigy) , 9.86 g of Esacure KB-1 (a photoinitiator available from Sartomer Co.), 0.15 g Uvitex OB (a fluorescent indicator available from Ciba-Geigy) , 1.23 g Fluorad FC-430 (a surfactant available from 3M Co.), a reactive diluent of 73.95 g 7-methacryloxy- propyltrimethoxyεilane (available from Union Carbide under the tradename A-174), and 0.2 g MEHQ at 60-65°C. The reaction mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and cooled to a temperature of about 30-35°C. 29.6 g acrylic acid is then added as a reactive diluent and the resulting mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. The final product is a compound of Formula (III) .

Example 8 153.3 g of N-phenylaminopropyl trimethoxysilane (commercially available from Union Carbide under the tradename Y-9669) is added dropwise to a 4-necked flask containing 214.8 g of Mondur 744 available from Miles, 0.96 g of Cotin® 200 a urethane catalyst available from Caschem Inc., 0.81 g of hydroquinone monomethylether (MEHQ), 312.0 g of 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate (available from Sartomer Co., Exton, PA, under the tradename Sartomer 340) and 208.28 g of isodecyl acrylate (available from Sartomer Co. under the tradename Sartomer 395) . The addition rate of N- phenylaminopropyl trimethoxysilane is such that the reaction temperature does not rise above 25-30°C.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

After all of the amine has been added the reaction tempature is raised to 80-85°C and maintained at thiε level for 1 hour. Then 105.0 g of 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2-hydroxypropyl) ether is added all at once. The reaction temperature is raiεed to 80-85° and maintained at thiε temperature until the reaction is completed as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by infrared spectroscopy (usually 2 hours) . To the above resin is added 27.3 g of Irgacure 184 (a photoinitiator available from Ciba-Geigy), 27.3 g of Esacure KB-1 (a photoinitiator available from Sartomer Co.), 0.69 g Uvitex OB (a fluorescent indicator available from Ciba-Geigy), 3.39 g Fluorad FC-430 (a surfactant available from 3M Co.), a reactive diluent of 202.8 g T-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy-silane

(available from Union Carbide under the tradename A- 174) . After 15 minuteε, the reaction mixture is cooled to 30-35°C and then 81.0 g acrylic acid reactive diluent is added and stirred for 15 minutes. Then 13.52 g of Tyzor TBT is added and the reaction mixture is stirred for another 15 minutes. The product is stored in an amber container. The final product is a compound having structural formula (III) .

Example 9

123.7 g of 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxyεilane (commercially available from Union Carbide under the tradename A-1310) iε added dropwise to a 500 mL 4- necked flask containing 59.1 g of 2-methyl-2,4- pentanediol (hexylene glycol) (available from Union Carbide), 0.3 g of Cotin® 200 (a urethane catalyst available from Caschem Inc.), over 5 minutes. The reaction is exothermic and the temperature riseε to about 70°C. The reaction mixture iε maintained at 70°C until the reaction is complete as indicated by the disappearance of the NCO band as indicated by

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

infrared spectroscopy. The alcohol produced has the structure

This alcohol is used for preparation of the dual curing resin of Example 10.

Example 10 36.0 g of 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2- hydroxypropyl) ether is added all at once to a 3- necked flask containing 71.6 g of Mondur 744, 0.35 g COTIN® 200, 0.38 g MEHQ, 115.7 g of Sartomer 340 and 77.18 g Sartomer 395. The reaction temperature is raised to 80-85°C and maintained at that level for 1- 1/2 hours. 74.2 g of the alcohol produced in Example 9 is then added to the reaction mixture all at once. The temperature is maintained at 80-85°C until the reaction is complete as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by infrared spectroscopy. 10.3 g of Irgacure 184, 10.3 g of Esacure KB-1, 0.13 g MEHQ, 0.26 g Uvitex OB, 1.3 g Fluorad FC-430, and 77.1 g of A-174 are added to the three necked flaεk and the reaction mixture iε εtirred for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is cooled to 30°C and 30.9 g acrylic acid and 10.3 g of Tyzor TBT is added. The reaction mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and the product is stored in amber or opaque containers. The resulting Oligomer has the structure below:

EXAMPLE 11

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

SKOEt),

NH Si(OEt),

CH,

123.7 g of 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (commercially available from Union Carbide under the tradename A-1310) is added dropwiεe to a 500 mL 4- necked flask containing 76.0 g of 1,3 di mercapto propane, 0.3 g of Cotin® 200 (a urethane catalyst available from Caschem Inc.), over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture is maintained at 70°C until the reaction is complete as indicated by the disappearance of the NCO band as indicated by infrared spectroscopy. The thiol so produced is εtored for later use.

36.0 g of 1,4-butanediol di(3-acryloxy-2- hydroxypropyl) ether is added all at once to a 3- necked flask containing 71.6 g of Mondur 744, 0.35 g COTIN® 200, 0.38 g MEHQ, 115.7 g of Sartomer 340 and 77.18 g Sartomer 395. The reaction temperature is raised to 80-85°C and maintained at that level for 1- 1/2 hours. 96.5 g of the thiol previously produced is then added to the reaction mixture all at once. The temperature is maintained at 80-85°C until the reaction is complete as shown by the disappearance of the NCO band by infrared spectroscopy. 10.3 g of Irgacure 184, 10.3 g of Esacure KB-1, 0.13 g MEHQ,

SUBSTITUTESHEET

0.26 g Uvitech OB, 1.3 g Fluorad FC-430, and 77.1 g of A-174 are added to the three necked flask and the reaction mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is cooled to 30°C and 30.9 g acrylic acid and 10.3 g of Tyzor TBT are added. The reaction mixture is stirred for 15 minutes and the product is stored in amber or opaque containers.

As will be appreciated, the foregoing invention provides novel and improved coating systems for conformal coating printing circuit boards assemblies and the like by any convenient manner, for instance a spraying, brushing, dripping, rolling, dipping, etc. Moreover, the coating systems cure through dual mechanisms including UV cure which permits fast fixture cure thereby achieving almost immediate dry- to-the touch curing. However, unlike conventional UV cured products, the coating systemε of the present invention cures the resin which does not "see" the UV radiation due to their built in secondary moisture cure mechanism. Moreover, the cured coatings have excellent adherence to plastics, metal, glass and wood, good abrasion resistance, and are hydrolytically stable and resistant to thermal cycling. The coatings also are repairable, i.e., can be removed by selective solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, and then replaced by brush or spray, and UV cured.

The invention has been described particularly with applicationε to conformal coating circuit board assemblies. However, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the coating syεtemε may be applied to other electrical electronic componentε εuch aε tranε- formers or the like. Moreover, the coating compo¬ sition is not limited to the use in the electronics field but may be employed in any industrial area where conformal protective coating is desired.

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