Structural Design Logic of Common Resin Modification Technologies: Molecular Chain Structure, Functional Groups, Phase Structure, Crosslinked Networks, and Hybrid/Functional Design

1. Introduction: Resin Modification Technologies as Structural Engineering Tools

The same resin can be modified in different ways, and different resins can also achieve performance improvements through similar structural design strategies. For example, copolymerization can be used to adjust the glass transition temperature, Tg; grafting can improve the compatibility between different chain segments; core–shell structures can allow soft and hard phases to perform different functions; crosslinking can transform a linear resin into a three-dimensional network; and hybridization can introduce organic segments, inorganic structures, or functional groups into the same coating film system. Common resin modification technologies can be grouped into five categories.

Modification Level	Representative Technologies	Main Structural Changes	Main Properties Affected
Molecular chain structure modification	Copolymerization, grafting, block structures, branching, hyperbranching	Segment composition, segment arrangement, molecular weight, degree of branching	Tg, hardness, flexibility, film-forming ability, viscosity
Functional group modification	Hydroxyl, carboxyl, epoxy, silane, double bonds, phosphate groups	Reactive sites, polarity, interfacial interactions	Adhesion, reactivity, dispersion stability, functionalization capability
Phase structure modification	Core–shell structures, gradient structures, microgels, IPN, semi-IPN	Soft/hard phase distribution, multiphase structures, interpenetrating networks	Film formation, blocking resistance, toughening, wear resistance, mechanical stability
Crosslinked network modification	Self-crosslinking, two-component crosslinking, amino crosslinking, epoxy–amine curing, UV/EB curing	Crosslink density, degree of curing, three-dimensional network structure	Hardness, water resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance
Hybrid and functional modification	Organic–organic hybridization, organic–inorganic hybridization, nanocomposites, low-surface-energy modification, dynamic structures	Functional segments, inorganic structures, surface structures, reversible structures	Weatherability, stain resistance, corrosion protection, heat resistance, self-healing, special functions

These five categories are not completely independent from one another. In practical resin design, two or more modification methods are often used simultaneously. For example, a core–shell emulsion may involve copolymer design, functional group design, and post-crosslinking design at the same time. An organic–inorganic hybrid resin may involve silane functional groups, an inorganic network, and crosslinking of the organic resin simultaneously.

2. Molecular Chain Structure Modification: Adjusting the Basic Properties of Resins

Molecular chain structure modification is one of the most fundamental approaches in resin modification. By changing the composition of resin chain segments, segment arrangement, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and degree of branching, it can regulate Tg, hardness, flexibility, film-forming ability, weatherability, viscosity, and application properties. Molecular chain structure modification mainly includes copolymerization, grafting, block modification, introduction of flexible segments, introduction of rigid segments, branching, and hyperbranching modification.

2.1 Copolymerization Modification: Adjusting Properties Through Composition

Copolymerization modification refers to the joint polymerization of two or more monomers so that different structural units are incorporated into the same polymer chain. Its main function is to regulate the basic properties of the resin through monomer composition. Copolymerization modification is commonly used to adjust Tg, hardness, flexibility, polarity, water resistance, film-forming ability, and reactivity.

For example, in acrylic resins, increasing the proportion of hard monomers usually raises Tg, hardness, and blocking resistance. Increasing the proportion of soft monomers usually improves flexibility and low-temperature film formation. Introducing polar monomers can improve adhesion or dispersion stability, but excessive polar structures may increase water absorption.

Copolymer Design Direction	Main Function	Issues to Consider
Increase the proportion of hard monomers	Increases Tg, hardness, and blocking resistance	Flexibility and low-temperature film formation decrease
Increase the proportion of soft monomers	Improves flexibility, film-forming ability, and low-temperature performance	Hardness, heat resistance, and blocking resistance decrease
Introduce polar monomers	Improves adhesion, dispersion, and reactivity	Water resistance may decrease
Introduce hydrophobic monomers	Improves water resistance, stain resistance, and low water absorption	Dispersion stability may become poorer
Introduce reactive monomers	Provides post-crosslinking or curing sites	Storage stability and reaction control requirements increase

The advantages of copolymerization modification are its broad adjustment range, mature industrialization, and wide applicability. Its limitation is that different properties often constrain one another. Simply adjusting the monomer ratio is often insufficient to simultaneously meet requirements for hardness, flexibility, water resistance, and application performance.

2.2 Graft Modification: Improving Compatibility Through Chemical Connection

Graft modification refers to chemically attaching one type of chain segment to another polymer main chain or backbone. Compared with simple physical blending, grafted structures can improve the compatibility between different chain segments and reduce phase separation and performance instability. The main functions of graft modification include:

① Introducing the performance advantages of one structural unit into another resin;

② Improving compatibility between different polymers;

③ Enhancing coating film uniformity and mechanical stability;

④ Reducing delamination, haze, or adhesion loss caused by simple blending;

⑤ Forming a more stable structural connection between the main chain and side chains.

Function of Graft Modification	Significance for the Coating Film
Improves chain-segment compatibility	Reduces phase separation and improves coating film uniformity
Introduces functional side chains	Adds hydrophobicity, stain resistance, reactivity, or adhesion capability
Adjusts main-chain flexibility	Improves impact resistance, bending performance, and low-temperature performance
Improves interfacial bonding	Enhances substrate adhesion or intercoat adhesion

The key factors in graft modification are grafting ratio, grafting position, grafted chain length, and reaction control. If the degree of grafting is too low, the modification effect will not be obvious. If the degree of grafting is too high, viscosity may increase, film formation may become difficult, or system stability may decrease.

2.3 Block Modification: Achieving Property Synergy Through Soft and Hard Segment Arrangement

Block modification refers to the formation of structurally distinct segments within the same polymer chain. Unlike random copolymerization, soft segments and hard segments in a block structure have relatively independent structural characteristics, making it easier to achieve synergy between soft and hard segments. The typical roles of block structures are as follows:

Block Structure	Main Contribution
Soft segments	Flexibility, elasticity, low-temperature performance, energy dissipation capability
Hard segments	Strength, hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance, blocking resistance
Soft/hard segment ratio	Determines the soft–hard balance of the coating film
Degree of phase separation	Affects transparency, mechanical properties, and film-forming uniformity

The advantage of block modification is its strong structural designability. It is suitable for addressing problems that simple copolymerization cannot easily solve, such as balancing flexibility and strength. Its limitation is that synthesis control requirements are relatively high, and the compatibility and phase separation degree of the soft and hard segments must be properly controlled.

2.4 Branching and Hyperbranching Modification: Reducing Viscosity and Increasing Terminal Groups

As the molecular weight of a linear resin increases, chain entanglement becomes stronger, and system viscosity usually rises significantly. Branching and hyperbranching modification can reduce the degree of chain entanglement while maintaining a certain molecular weight and reactive functionality, thereby improving the application performance of high-solids systems. Hyperbranched resins have many terminal functional groups, lower molecular chain entanglement, and relatively low viscosity. Therefore, they are often used in the design of high-solids, low-VOC systems and fast-curing systems.

Structural Feature of Branching	Effect on Resin Properties
Reduced molecular chain entanglement	Lowers viscosity and helps increase solids content
More terminal groups	Increases reactivity and crosslinking points
Compact molecular structure	Improves application performance and flow
Higher functionality	May improve hardness and chemical resistance after curing

Branching and hyperbranching modification also require control of functionality and curing rate. If the functionality is too high or curing is too fast, the coating film may develop shrinkage stress, increased brittleness, or insufficient leveling.

3. Functional Group Modification: Providing Resin Reactivity and Interfacial Interaction

Functional group modification refers to the introduction of specific reactive groups or polar groups into the resin structure, enabling the resin to have reactivity, adhesion, dispersion, coupling, or functionalization capability. Functional groups determine not only whether the resin can form a film, but also whether it can interact effectively with curing agents, substrates, pigments and fillers, or other resins.

3.1 Main Functions of Functional Groups

Functional group modification mainly addresses three types of issues.

Function Type	Specific Meaning	Significance for Coatings
Provides reactivity	The resin can participate in curing, post-crosslinking, photocuring, or coupling reactions	Converts the resin from an ordinary film-forming material into a reactive material
Provides interfacial interaction	The resin can interact with metals, plastics, glass, wood, mineral substrates, or pigments and fillers	Improves adhesion, wetting, and interfacial stability
Provides functional entry points	The resin can introduce anticorrosion, flame-retardant, stain-resistant, hydrophobic, or self-healing structures	Provides reactive sites for special functional modification

Introducing functional groups usually increases the design flexibility of a resin, but it also changes the resin’s polarity, water absorption, viscosity, storage stability, and reaction rate. Functional group modification requires control over the type, content, distribution, and reactivity of the groups.

3.2 Common Functional Groups and Their Roles

Functional Group	Main Function	Common Applications	Issues to Control
Hydroxyl group	Provides reaction sites with isocyanates or amino resins	Two-component polyurethane, amino baking coatings, hydroxyl acrylic resins	Excessively high hydroxyl value may increase viscosity and water absorption
Carboxyl group	Provides polarity, dispersion stability, and reactive sites	Waterborne dispersions, metal adhesion, carboxyl–epoxy reactions	Excessive content may affect water resistance and salt spray resistance
Epoxy group	Improves adhesion, reactivity, and chemical-resistant structural design capability	Metal anticorrosion, epoxy modification, reactive adhesion promotion	Matching with curing agents and storage stability must be controlled
Isocyanate group	Reacts with hydroxyl, amino, water, and other groups	Two-component polyurethane, moisture-curing systems	Sensitive to moisture; pot life must be controlled
Silane group	Undergoes hydrolysis–condensation or coupling and improves interfacial bonding with inorganic substrates	Glass, metal, mineral substrates, silane-modified resins	Premature hydrolysis may cause gelation or storage instability
Acrylate double bond	Participates in UV or EB curing	UV/EB-curable coatings, fast-curing topcoats	Oxygen inhibition, shrinkage stress, and deep curing must be controlled
Phosphate group	Enhances metal interfacial interaction and supports anticorrosion design	Metal primers, anticorrosive coatings, adhesion promotion	Acidity, compatibility, and water resistance must be balanced
Fluorinated or silicon-containing groups	Provide low surface energy, hydrophobicity, or stain-resistant functional entry points	Stain-resistant, hydrophobic, easy-clean coatings	Excessive surface enrichment may affect recoating and intercoat adhesion

3.3 Effects of Functional Group Content and Distribution on Properties

For functional groups, the type of group is not the only important factor; content and distribution also matter. Chain-end distribution, side-chain distribution, surface enrichment, and local enrichment can all affect reaction efficiency, interfacial interaction, water resistance, and compatibility.

Distribution Mode of Functional Groups	Possible Effects
Uniform distribution	More uniform reaction and more stable coating film properties
Chain-end enrichment	High reaction efficiency; suitable for terminal-group curing design
Side-chain distribution	Facilitates adjustment of polarity, adhesion, and reactivity
Surface enrichment	Beneficial for surface hydrophobicity, stain resistance, or slip
Excessive local enrichment	May cause phase separation, water-absorbing sites, or brittle regions

For example, moderate enrichment of silicon or fluorine structures on the coating film surface can improve hydrophobicity and stain resistance. However, excessive migration may affect intercoat adhesion. Carboxyl groups are beneficial for dispersion and adhesion, but if too many hydrophilic sites remain in the coating film, water resistance may decrease.

4. Phase Structure Modification: Using Multiphase Structures to Assign Different Functions

Phase structure modification focuses on the spatial distribution and functional division of different phases or networks within the resin system. Its focus is not the crosslinking reaction itself, but rather the difficulty of using a single homogeneous resin to simultaneously satisfy requirements such as hardness, flexibility, low-temperature film formation, blocking resistance, wear resistance, and impact resistance.

Phase structure modification mainly includes core–shell structures, gradient structures, microgel structures, interpenetrating polymer networks, IPN, and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, semi-IPN.

4.1 Core–Shell Structures: Allowing Different Phases to Perform Different Functions

A core–shell structure usually consists of an inner core and an outer shell. The core and shell may have different Tg values, different polarities, different degrees of crosslinking, or different functional groups.

Core–Shell Type	Main Function
Soft core / hard shell	The soft core provides film formation and flexibility, while the hard shell provides hardness and blocking resistance
Hard core / soft shell	The hard core provides strength and dimensional stability, while the soft shell improves film formation and adhesion
Functional shell layer	The shell layer provides water resistance, adhesion, surface functionality, or reactive sites
Crosslinked core structure	Provides dimensional stability, solvent resistance, and deformation resistance
Gradient core–shell structure	Relieves differences between soft and hard phases and reduces phase separation and internal stress

The value of core–shell structures lies in allowing different regions to perform different functions. For example, low-temperature film formation usually requires a lower Tg or higher segmental mobility, whereas blocking resistance and hardness usually require a higher Tg or higher degree of crosslinking. Core–shell structures can alleviate this conflict to some extent.

The minimum film-forming temperature, MFFT, is an important indicator for evaluating whether a dispersion-type resin can form a continuous coating film at a given temperature. The particle size, shell composition, and soft/hard phase distribution of core–shell particles can all affect MFFT and the final coating film properties. At the same time, MFFT is also influenced by factors such as coalescing agents, emulsion formulation, particle size distribution, drying conditions, and testing conditions.

4.2 Gradient Structures: Reducing Abrupt Property Changes and Internal Stress Concentration

A gradient structure refers to a resin particle or coating film microdomain in which composition, Tg, degree of crosslinking, or polarity changes gradually from one region to another. Compared with a clearly layered core–shell structure, a gradient structure can reduce abrupt transitions between soft and hard phases. Gradient structures are suitable for systems that need to balance film formation, blocking resistance, flexibility, and durability, but their synthesis process and structural characterization requirements are relatively high.

Structure Type	Characteristics	Main Application Focus
Clear core–shell structure	Clear functional division between soft and hard phases; obvious property differences	Balance between film formation and blocking resistance
Gradient structure	Composition changes gradually; internal stress is easier to relieve	Flexibility, film-forming continuity, and mechanical stability
Homogeneous structure	Simple structure, but limited functional division capability	Systems with ordinary performance requirements

4.3 Microgel Structures: Introducing Local Crosslinked Microdomains into the System

Microgels are polymer particles or microdomains with a certain crosslinked structure. They can serve as local reinforcing structures and can also be used to regulate rheology and improve the mechanical stability of the coating film. The main functions of microgel structures include:

① Providing local reinforcement;

② Improving sag resistance;

③ Regulating coating film shrinkage and internal stress;

④ Improving solvent resistance;

⑤ Improving mechanical stability.

The size, degree of crosslinking, and compatibility of microgels with the continuous phase must be controlled. If the microgels are poorly dispersed, they may cause surface roughness, reduced transparency, or coating film defects.

4.4 IPN and semi-IPN: Improving Overall Performance Through Interpenetrating Networks

An IPN refers to two or more polymer networks that are at least partially interpenetrated at the molecular scale. The networks are usually not connected by covalent bonds, and they are difficult to separate from each other unless chemical bonds are broken. In a semi-IPN, usually only one polymer forms a crosslinked network, while another linear or branched polymer chain penetrates that network.

Structure Type	Structural Characteristics	Main Function
IPN	Two or more networks interpenetrate each other	Improves mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and toughening effect
semi-IPN	One network coexists with a linear or branched polymer	Improves flexibility, application performance, and overall performance
Simple blend	Different resins are physically blended	Easily affected by compatibility

IPN design requires attention to two points: ① whether the formation rates of the two networks match; ② whether severe phase separation occurs between the two polymers. If the reaction rates differ too much, the structure may become nonuniform. If compatibility is insufficient, haze, reduced mechanical properties, or coating film defects may occur.

5. Crosslinked Network Modification: From Linear Film Formation to a Three-Dimensional Network

Crosslinked network modification focuses on the three-dimensional network structure formed after the resin has formed a film. It differs from phase structure modification: phase structure focuses on the spatial distribution and functional division of different phases, while crosslinked network modification focuses on crosslink density, degree of curing, network uniformity, and network flexibility. Linear resins mainly rely on chain entanglement and physical interactions for film formation. In contrast, crosslinked resins form a three-dimensional network after curing and, when curing is sufficient, the network is uniform, and hydrophilic groups and microdefects are controlled, they can usually significantly improve the water resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, hardness, and heat resistance of the coating film.

5.1 Which Properties Are Affected by the Crosslinked Network?

Crosslinked Network Factor	Effect on Properties
Crosslink density	Affects hardness, solvent resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance
Network uniformity	Affects toughness, cracking risk, and durability
Degree of curing reaction	Affects early-stage properties and final properties
Network flexibility	Affects bending, impact resistance, and internal stress
Reaction rate	Affects leveling, application time, and curing efficiency

5.2 Common Crosslinking Modification Methods

Crosslinking Method	Main Reaction Characteristics	Common Applications	Issues to Control
Self-crosslinking	The resin crosslinks by itself after film formation	Waterborne resins, low-temperature curing systems	Storage stability and degree of post-crosslinking
Two-component crosslinking	Main component and curing agent react after mixing	Two-component polyurethane, two-component epoxy	Pot life, mixing ratio, application time
Amino crosslinking	Hydroxyl resin and amino resin undergo thermal curing	Baking coatings, industrial coatings, automotive coatings	Baking conditions, acid catalysis, flexibility
Epoxy–amine curing	Epoxy groups react with amine curing agents	Anticorrosive coatings, flooring, structural coatings	Curing rate, low-temperature curing, brittleness
Silane condensation	Silane hydrolyzes and then condenses into a siloxane network	Adhesion to inorganic substrates, water-resistance modification	Humidity, pH, storage stability
UV/EB curing	Double bonds polymerize rapidly under ultraviolet light or electron beam irradiation	Wood coatings, plastic coatings, electronics, packaging coatings	Oxygen inhibition, insufficient UV shadow/deep curing, EB inert atmosphere and equipment control, shrinkage stress
Dual curing	Two curing mechanisms work synergistically	Thick coatings, complex structures, functional coatings	Matching of reaction sequence and degree of curing

UV/EB curing is a highly reactive crosslinking method and is commonly used in fast-curing and low-VOC systems. Its advantages include fast curing and high production efficiency. Issues that need to be controlled include oxygen inhibition, curing shrinkage, insufficient curing in thick films or shadowed regions, and reduced adhesion. Unlike UV curing, EB curing usually does not rely on photoinitiators.

5.3 Main Risks of Crosslinking Modification

The most common issue in crosslinking modification is overemphasizing water resistance, solvent resistance, and hardness while neglecting coating film toughness, adhesion, and application time. A reasonable crosslinking design should balance durability, toughness, adhesion, and application performance.

Improper Crosslinking Design	Possible Result
Crosslink density too low	Insufficient solvent resistance, water resistance, and hardness
Crosslink density too high	Increased brittleness, reduced impact resistance, higher cracking risk
Curing too fast	Insufficient leveling, orange peel, increased internal stress
Insufficient curing	Poor early-stage performance and insufficient chemical resistance
Nonuniform network	Local brittleness, local swelling, or coating film defects

6. Hybrid and Functional Modification: Introducing Special Structural Units

Hybrid and functional modification refers to introducing different types of structural units into a resin system so that it can obtain comprehensive properties or special functions that a single resin would have difficulty achieving. It includes not only hybridization between organic resins, but also organic–inorganic hybridization, nanocomposites, low-surface-energy modification, and the introduction of dynamic chemical structures.

6.1 Organic–Organic Hybridization: Complementary Properties of Different Chain Segments

Organic–organic hybridization refers to the formation of combined structures between different organic resin structures through grafting, block structures, interpenetrating networks, reactive compounding, or other chemical methods. Its core purpose is to allow different chain segments in the same system to perform different functions. For example, one type of structure may be responsible for adhesion and corrosion protection, while another structure may be responsible for flexibility, weatherability, or wear resistance.

Key Issue in Organic–Organic Hybridization	Explanation
Compatibility	Determines whether delamination, haze, or mechanical property loss occurs
Chemical connection method	Determines whether the hybrid structure is stable
Reaction matching	Determines whether the curing process is uniform
Soft–hard balance	Determines hardness, flexibility, and impact resistance
Application adaptability	Determines viscosity, open time, and leveling

The value of organic–organic hybridization lies in property complementarity. Its risks include insufficient compatibility, mismatched reaction rates, and reduced application stability. Compared with simple blending, grafting, block structures, IPN, or reactive hybridization is usually more favorable for forming a stable structure.

6.2 Organic–Inorganic Hybridization and Nanocomposites: Reinforcement, Barrier Effects, and Heat Resistance

Organic–inorganic hybridization refers to the introduction of inorganic structures such as siloxanes, metal oxides, nano-silica, nano-alumina, montmorillonite, and graphene-like sheets into organic resins. Nanocomposite modification can also usually be discussed under this category. Strictly speaking, however, organic–inorganic hybridization places greater emphasis on chemical connection, sol–gel reactions, or strong interfacial interactions between the organic phase and the inorganic phase, whereas nanocomposites may simply involve the dispersion and interfacial modification of nanofillers in an organic resin.

The main purposes of organic–inorganic hybridization and nanocomposites include increasing hardness, improving wear resistance, improving heat resistance, enhancing anticorrosive barrier performance, improving dimensional stability, and introducing special functions such as electrical conductivity, antistatic performance, and flame retardancy.

Inorganic or Nanoscale Structure	Main Contribution	Issues to Control
Silica	Hardness, wear resistance, heat resistance, transparent reinforcement	Dispersion, compatibility, brittleness
Alumina	Wear resistance, hardness, heat resistance	Transparency and surface roughness
Montmorillonite	Lamellar barrier effect, corrosion protection, reinforcement	Degree of exfoliation and dispersion stability
Graphene-like sheets	Barrier effect, corrosion protection, electrical conductivity, or antistatic performance	Agglomeration, cost, and dispersion difficulty
Siloxane network	Water resistance, heat resistance, weatherability, and adhesion	Control of hydrolysis and condensation

The key to organic–inorganic hybridization and nanocomposites is not that the higher the inorganic material loading, the better the result. Rather, the key is whether the inorganic phase can be uniformly dispersed and form a stable interface with the organic resin. If interfacial bonding is poor, nanoscale or inorganic structures may become defect sources, leading to coating film roughness, reduced transparency, decreased water resistance, or unstable anticorrosive performance. For systems using conductive sheets such as graphene for metal corrosion protection, it is also necessary to control sheet dispersion, defects, and continuous conductive pathways. If the coating film contains pinholes, cracks, or scratches, there may be a risk of localized galvanic corrosion.

6.3 Surface Functionalization: Low Surface Energy, Hydrophobicity, and Stain Resistance

Surface functionalization refers to the use of fluorinated, silicon-containing, or other low-surface-energy structures to give the coating film surface properties such as hydrophobicity, stain resistance, slip, easy cleaning, or resistance to pollutant adhesion. The main functions of low-surface-energy structures include:

① Reducing wetting by water and pollutants;

② Improving surface stain resistance;

③ Improving slip and tactile feel;

④ Reducing the adhesion strength of pollutants;

⑤ Improving the self-cleaning or clean-retention performance of certain outdoor coatings.

However, low-surface-energy structures may also bring problems.

Modification Effect	Potential Issue
Improved surface hydrophobicity	May affect wetting during recoating
Improved stain resistance	Intercoat adhesion may decrease
Improved surface slip	Subsequent coating or printing adaptability may become poorer
Strong surface enrichment	May cause cratering, leveling abnormalities, or compatibility issues

6.4 Dynamic Functionalization: Self-Healing and Damage Response

Traditional coating films mainly rely on barrier effects, adhesion, and crosslinked networks for protection. When a coating film is scratched, cracked, or locally damaged, its protective performance decreases significantly. Dynamic functionalization attempts to provide the coating film with a certain degree of recovery after damage through reversible chemical bonds, physical interactions, or release of healing agents. Common designs include reversible covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, metal coordination bonds, disulfide exchange, Diels–Alder reversible reactions, microcapsule healing agents, and corrosion-inhibitor nanocontainers.

The focus of these structures is to improve the durability of the coating film after damage. Their practical application must consider healing efficiency, triggering conditions, mechanical properties, cost, and long-term stability.

7. Comparison and Summary of Common Modification Technologies

Modification Tec hnology	Main Object Modified	Main Function	Key Control Points
Copolymerization modification	Monomer composition and chain segment structure	Adjusts Tg, hardness, flexibility, and polarity	Monomer ratio, reactivity, molecular weight
Graft modification	Connection between main chain and side chains	Improves compatibility and introduces functional segments	Grafting ratio, grafting position, chain segment length
Block modification	Arrangement of soft and hard segments	Enables synergy between soft and hard properties	Soft/hard segment ratio, degree of phase separation
Branching modification	Molecular architecture and number of terminal groups	Reduces viscosity, increases solids content and reactive sites	Degree of branching, functionality, curing shrinkage
Functional group modification	Reactive groups and polar groups	Improves reactivity, adhesion, and functionalization capability	Group content, distribution, reactivity
Core–shell structure	Soft/hard phases inside particles	Balances film formation, hardness, and blocking resistance	Core–shell ratio, shell Tg, particle size
Gradient structure	Phase structure with gradual changes in composition or properties	Relieves internal stress and improves soft–hard transition	Gradient distribution, compatibility, synthesis control
Microgel structure	Local crosslinked microdomains	Reinforcement, rheology control, auxiliary solvent resistance	Particle size, degree of crosslinking, dispersion state
IPN/semi-IPN	Interpenetrating multi-network structure	Improves strength, toughness, and chemical resistance	Reaction rate, compatibility, network uniformity
Crosslinking modification	Three-dimensional network	Improves water resistance, solvent resistance, hardness, and chemical resistance	Crosslink density, degree of curing, internal stress
Organic–organic hybridization	Combination of different organic segments	Complementary properties	Compatibility, reaction matching, soft–hard balance
Organic–inorganic hybridization / nanocomposites	Combination of inorganic phases or nanofillers with organic resins	Improves wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion protection, and barrier performance	Dispersion, interfacial bonding, defects and brittleness
Surface functionalization	Surface functional structures	Improves hydrophobicity, stain resistance, and slip	Surface enrichment, recoatability, compatibility
Dynamic functionalization	Reversible structures or healing structures	Self-healing, damage response, improved durability	Triggering conditions, healing efficiency, long-term stability

8. Representative Chemicals Related to Common Resin Modification Technologies

Table 1. Monomers Related to Copolymerization, Grafting, and Chain Segment Structure Control

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Hydroxyl-functional monomer	868-77-9	H140643	2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)	Anhydrous grade, ≥99%, contains 200 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer, water ≤0.1%	Used for hydroxyl acrylic resins, reactive copolymers, and post-crosslinkable resin design; introduces hydroxyl reactive sites
Carboxyl-functional monomer	79-10-7	A397753	Acrylic acid	Anhydrous grade, ≥99%, contains 200 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for acrylic copolymerization, emulsion polymerization, and water-dispersible systems; introduces carboxyl groups and adjusts polarity and adhesion
Carboxyl-functional monomer	79-41-4	M434201	Methacrylic acid	Suitable for synthesis, stabilized with hydroquinone monomethyl ether	Used for methacrylic copolymer resins; improves polarity, adhesion, and reaction-control capability
Soft monomer	141-32-2	B100036	Butyl acrylate (BA)	Chemically pure (CP), ≥98%, contains 50 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for soft-segment copolymerization, low-temperature film formation, and flexibility adjustment; a commonly used monomer for soft–hard monomer balance design
Hard monomer	100-42-5	S110375	Styrene	CP, contains 10–15 ppm 4-tert-butylcatechol as stabilizer	Used for styrene-acrylic emulsions and hard-segment copolymer design; improves hardness, rigidity, and blocking resistance
Hard monomer	80-62-6	M109623	Methyl methacrylate (MMA)	AR, ≥99%, contains 30 ppm DMBP as stabilizer	Used for high-glass-transition-temperature acrylic resins, hard phases in core–shell systems, and weather-resistant copolymer design
Rigid hydrophobic monomer	7534-94-3	I102358	Isobornyl methacrylate	Contains 50–150 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used to improve resin rigidity, heat resistance, water resistance, and the design of low-volatility reactive diluent systems
Hydrophobic monomer	97-88-1	B110902	Butyl methacrylate (BMA)	≥99%, contains MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for hydrophobic acrylic copolymers and soft–hard balanced resin design; adjusts film-forming ability, water resistance, and flexibility
Amino-functional monomer	2867-47-2	D111129	2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)	≥99%, contains 1000 ppm MEHQ as inhibitor	Used for cationic or reactive acrylic copolymers; introduces tertiary amine groups and improves dispersion and interfacial interactions
Soft monomer	103-11-7	E108592	2-Ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA)	≥99% (GC), contains 10–1100 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for low-glass-transition-temperature copolymers, flexible segments, and pressure-sensitive adhesive resin research
Sulfonic acid-functional monomer	15214-89-8	A106798	2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS)	≥98%	Used to introduce sulfonic acid groups and improve water-dispersion stability, ionicity, and emulsion polymerization stability design
Epoxy-functional monomer	106-91-2	G106686	Glycidyl methacrylate	≥97%, contains 100 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for epoxy-functionalized acrylic resins, grafting reactions, and adhesion-promoting copolymer design
Hydroxyl-functional monomer	27813-02-1	H109880	Hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA)	≥97%, contains 0.02% 4-methoxyphenol as stabilizer	Used for hydroxyl acrylic resins, two-component curing systems, and reactive chain-segment modification research
Acetoacetyl-functional monomer	21282-97-3	A107223	Acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate (AAEM)	≥94%, contains 300 ppm BHT as stabilizer	Used for self-crosslinking emulsions, active carbonyl copolymers, and room-temperature post-crosslinking system design
Sulfonate-functional monomer	2695-37-6	S169174	Sodium 4-styrenesulfonate	≥90% (T)	Used to introduce sulfonate structures; suitable for ionic copolymers, water-dispersible resins, and functional emulsion research

Table 2. Products Related to Silane Coupling, Silicone Hybridization, and Fluorine Modification

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Organic–inorganic hybrid precursor	78-10-4	T110593	Tetraethyl orthosilicate	Reagent grade, ≥98%	Used for sol–gel hybridization, siloxane network construction, and organic–inorganic composite coating research
Fluorinated modification monomer	352-87-4	T299433	2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA)	PrimorTrace™ Ultra, electronic grade, ≥99.9999% metals basis	Used for fluorinated acrylic resins, low-surface-energy copolymers, and stain-resistant surface functionalization research
Aminosilane coupling agent	919-30-2	A107147	3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS)	≥99%	Used for adhesion to inorganic substrates, surface treatment of pigments and fillers, and interfacial coupling between resins and inorganic phases
Vinyl silane monomer	2768-02-7	V162969	Vinyltrimethoxysilane	≥98% (GC)	Used for silane grafting, moisture-curing resins, and water-resistant hybrid polymer design
Siloxane network precursor	1185-55-3	T106658	Methyltrimethoxysilane	≥98%	Used for siloxane networks, hydrophobic hybrid coatings, and sol–gel resin modification research
Methacryloxy silane	2530-85-0	S111153	3-(Methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane	≥97%, contains 100 ppm BHT as stabilizer	Used for silane copolymerization of acrylic resins, grafting onto inorganic surfaces, and organic–inorganic interface modification
Epoxy silane coupling agent	2530-83-8	G107576	3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane	≥97%	Used for epoxy-functional silane modification, adhesion promotion on metal and inorganic substrates, and interfacial bonding in hybrid coatings
Vinyl silane monomer	78-08-0	T103647	Vinyltriethoxysilane (TEVS)	≥97%	Used for silane graft copolymerization, water-resistant resin modification, and moisture-curing silicone hybrid systems
Fluorinated modification monomer	36405-47-7	H100688	2,2,3,4,4,4-Hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA)	≥96%, contains MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for fluorinated acrylic resins, hydrophobic and stain-resistant coatings, and surface low-energy copolymer research

Table 3. Products Related to Crosslinking/Curing, Reactive Resins, and Catalysis

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Amino resin precursor	108-78-1	T431382	2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazine	Suitable for synthesis	Used as a melamine/amino resin precursor, for triazine resin structures, and for thermally cured coating resin research
Aliphatic diisocyanate	822-06-0	H106723	Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)	Moligand™, ≥99%	Used for polyurethane crosslinking, two-component coating curing agents, and weather-resistant polyurethane resin design
Basic raw material for epoxy resin	1675-54-3	B131786	Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE)	Moligand™, ≥85%	Used for epoxy resins, anticorrosive coatings, epoxy-modified resins, and epoxy–amine curing systems
Hydrazide crosslinker	1071-93-8	A109760	Adipic dihydrazide (ADH)	≥99% (HPLC)	Used for post-crosslinking of diacetone acrylamide copolymers, self-crosslinking emulsions, and room-temperature crosslinking systems
Amine curing agent	111-40-0	D100059	Diethylenetriamine	≥99%	Used for epoxy resin curing, amine-reactive modification, and experimental systems for anticorrosive coatings
Carbonyl-crosslinking functional monomer	2873-97-4	D110099	Diacetone acrylamide (DAAM)	≥99%	Used for self-crosslinking acrylic emulsions; works with hydrazide crosslinkers to construct room-temperature crosslinked networks
Alicyclic diisocyanate	4098-71-9	I109582	Isophorone diisocyanate, mixture of isomers (IPDI)	≥99%	Used for polyurethane modification, weather-resistant polyurethane resins, and two-component crosslinking systems
Alicyclic diamine curing agent	2855-13-2	A104545	Isophorone diamine, cis/trans mixture (IPDA)	≥99%	Used for epoxy curing, alicyclic amine curing systems, and chemical-resistant coating research
Amino crosslinker	3089-11-0	T162539	2,4,6-Tris[bis(methoxymethyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazine	≥98% (HPLC)	Used for thermal curing of hydroxyl resins, amino baking coating crosslinking, and chemical-resistant coating systems
Acid catalyst	104-15-4	T684184	p-Toluenesulfonic acid	≥98%	Used for amino resin curing catalysis, esterification reactions, and acid-catalyzed crosslinking experiments
Reactive epoxy diluent	2425-79-8	B109380	1,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE)	≥95%	Used for viscosity reduction in epoxy systems, introduction of flexible segments, and reactive diluent modification
Polyurethane catalyst	77-58-7	D100274	Dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL)	≥95%	Used for polyurethane reaction catalysis, isocyanate–hydroxyl reactions, and two-component curing research
Alicyclic diisocyanate	5124-30-1	D155475	Dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-diisocyanate, mixture of isomers (HMDI)	≥90% (GC)	Used for weather-resistant polyurethane resins, alicyclic polyurethane crosslinking, and high-performance coating modification
Reactive epoxy diluent	17557-23-2	N121958	Neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether	≥40% (GC)	Used for viscosity reduction in epoxy systems, reactive dilution, and flexibility adjustment of crosslinked networks

Table 4. Products Related to UV Photoinitiators and UV/EB Reactive Diluents

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Photoinitiator	947-19-3	H110064	1-Hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone	≥98%	Used for ultraviolet-curable coatings, photopolymerization of acrylate systems, and fast-curing experiments
Photoinitiator	7473-98-5	H110280	2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone	≥97%	Used for free-radical photocuring systems, transparent coatings, and acrylate monomer polymerization
Acylphosphine oxide photoinitiator	75980-60-8	T107643	Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide	≥97%	Used for ultraviolet curing, thick-film curing, and free-radical photopolymerization research in pigmented systems
Acylphosphine oxide photoinitiator	162881-26-7	P138333	Phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO)	≥97%	Used for UV-curable coatings, deep curing, and highly reactive acrylate systems
Difunctional acrylate	42978-66-5	T162230	Tripropylene glycol diacrylate	≥90%, total of isomers, stabilized with MEHQ	Used for photocurable reactive dilution, crosslink density adjustment, and flexible UV-curable systems
Difunctional acrylate	13048-33-4	H102721	1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA)	≥90%, contains MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for UV-curable coatings, construction of crosslinked networks, and low-viscosity reactive diluent systems
Trifunctional acrylate	15625-89-5	T102522	Trimethylolpropane triacrylate	≥85%, contains 600 ppm MEHQ as stabilizer	Used for high-crosslink-density UV-curable systems, hardness improvement, and fast-curing coating research

Table 5. Products Related to Nano-Reinforcement, Barrier Fillers, and Dynamic Functionalization

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Cat. No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Carbon-based barrier material	1034343-98-0	G302114	Graphene	High purity, ≥98%	Used for nanocomposite coatings, anticorrosive barrier coatings, conductive coatings, and resin reinforcement research
Layered inorganic material	1318-93-0	M758183	Montmorillonite K-10	Powder	Used for lamellar barrier effects, anticorrosive coatings, nanocomposite resins, and organic–inorganic hybrid research
Inorganic reinforcing filler	1344-28-1	A420217	Alumina	≥99.9% metals basis	Used for wear resistance, hardness improvement, inorganic reinforcement, and high-performance composite coating research
Nano-inorganic reinforcing material	7631-86-9	S104596	Nano-silica	≥99.5% metals basis, 30 nm	Used for nano-reinforcement, wear and scratch resistance, transparent reinforcement, and organic–inorganic hybrid coatings
Dynamic functionalization monomer	98-00-0	F110604	Furfuryl alcohol	AR, ≥98%	Used for furan-functional structures, reversible reaction modification, and self-healing resin research
Dynamic functionalization monomer	541-59-3	M100788	Maleimide	≥98%	Used for reversible addition reactions, dynamic crosslinked structures, and self-healing polymer systems

Note: The above are representative Aladdin products. For more product specifications, search by “product name / CAS / catalog number” on the Aladdin official website.

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