Knowledge base

UV curing systems for the graphic arts are dominated by acrylate chemistry, which accounts for as much as 95% of the total radiation curing market. Although there is a number of niche alternative curing technologies, by far the most important is cationic curing. This has been known for at least as long as free-radical acrylate chemistry, but its us

An investigation of the scratch formation in UV cured coatings by a combination of nanoscratch,nanoindentation and optical microscopy provides a guide for an optimized design of such coatings when scratch resistance is desired. As a first and sensible guide, the choice of the proper formulation and the viscoelastic properties of the coating is esse

The present report evaluates the production of solvent-free acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA5) with a twin-screw extruder. New applications and technical specifications continue to stimulate the development of new methods for the radical polymerization of non-solvent acrylate, and include the synthesis of 100% acrylic systems by polymeriza

The technology of Radiaton Curing is well established in the field of clearcoats. This technology is unique due to the combination of features like curing within a fraction of a second, the possibility to formulate coatings without any organic solvent and the outstanding quality of these coatings. Nonetheless, in order to enter into further market

In May 2003, DG Enterprise and DG Environment of the European Commission published their draft text for the new chemicals legislation on the internet for public consultation. The European chemical industry supports the political objectives of the new chemicals legislation as stated in the White Paper. Of particular importance for industry is to ens

We have now entered the third millennium and one of the most widely discussed and pressing topics of the moment, for which an immediate response has to be found, is the need to reduce environmental pollution. Finishing operations in general are not the only source of pollution to the atmosphere and water systems but they are one of the most importa

Laminating Adhesives can be generally classified in to three broad types depending on the demands the packages are expected to meet. They can be grouped as high, medium and standard performance systems. In a very general sense, high performance adhesive applications represent the most demanding like retort packaging and often involve aluminum foil

Urethane acrylates as binders for UV curable coatings offer an excellent property profile combining toughness, chemical and abrasion resistance with flexibility and, for the aliphatic types, outdoor resistance. Most of the excellent properties can be attributed to the hydrogen bridge bonding of the urethane groups. However, the same hydrogen bridge