Radiation-curing coatings are formulated materials that are cross-linked or cured using high-intensity radiant energy from electron beams or ultraviolet radiation. The radiation curable formulations contain a reactive liquid carrier, pigments and conventional additives. These formulations are specifically designed to cure with radiant energy.
Radiation-curing coatings have several advantages, including fast curing, low energy costs and improved surface properties, including improved corrosion protection of metals.
Radiation-curing coatings are also known as radiation-curing coatings.
The radiation-curing coating process involves applying a low-viscosity mixture of reactive materials and additives to a substrate. It is then exposed to electron beam or ultraviolet radiation energy for a short period of time. Once exposed to radiation, the mixture is instantly transformed into a cross-linked, high-quality coating.
A typical mixture contains:
Low weight reactive materials such as oligomers and monomers
Photoinitiator
Surfactants, colorants, fillers, wetting agents, defoamers and other conventional paint and coating additives
Radiation curing energy is obtained from specific short-wave radiation sources. Commonly used light sources are special UV lamps or electron beam systems with electron guns and particle accelerators.
The advantages of radiation-cured coatings include:
Fast curing and therefore high productivity
Low in volatile organic compounds (VOC)
low energy consumption
Durable, high quality and consistent coating
Enhanced scratch, impact, abrasion, chemical and mechanical resistance
Disadvantages include:
expensive raw materials
Adhesion problems caused by coating shrinkage
Difficulty solidifying 3D objects
Radiation-curing coatings are used in a variety of fields, including industrial coatings, graphics, electronics, adhesives, aerospace, and more. Typical applications include:
Automotive Refinish Application
Household appliances such as:
microwave
oven
dishwasher
refrigerator
Cans and other packaging
Cold rolled steel, aluminum, nickel, magnesium and brass
Aerospace & Defense
Piping and tubing steel pipes for oil drilling
adhesive
electronics
Graphic Arts Applications
