Abstract
In the present work, the self-polymerization reaction of cyclohexanone was studied to develop a synthetic resin. Synthetic resins are extensively used in paint industry to improve the adhesiveness of paints. Polymerization reactions were carried out in a high-pressure reactor. The results suggest that the self-polymerization of cyclohexanone mainly depends on alkali concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time. As the ketone-to-alkali ratio decreases, the degree of polymerization increases, which leads to an increase in the hydroxyl value and softening point and a remarkable decrease in solubility. A good-quality solid resin could be obtained with a ketone-to-alkali ratio less than 5 in the temperature range between 130°C and 160°C and within the time duration of 12–22 h. These data may be useful to develop the desired quality of resin in the field of paint application.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur for extending the necessary support and facilities for the above studies.