Chemical Resistance Of Uv Curable Formulations: The Effect Of Solvents

Chemical resistance can be understood in two different ways : solvent resistance or chemical
attack. Solvent resistance is one of the main requirements any coating has to pass, and this
applies to any kind of application : furniture, flooring, metal decoration, etc... The solvent
resistance test is performed most of the time by rub test using Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and
it can be also carried out with more adapted solvents depending on the final use of the product.

Chemical attack deals with reagents such as acids or alkalis, oxidizing and reducing agents.
The chemical attack is evaluated by firstly doing some spot tests or immersion for a certain
interval of time and secondly by evaluating any objectionable alteration in the surface such as
discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, mechanical propertie...

This study is focused on solvent resistance, as our sister company, SARTOMER, has already
performed a very relevant study on chemical attack (1). The aim of this study is to fully
understand the actual parameters which have to be controlled within the formulation and
during the process of the coating to lead to a good solvent resistance. Correlations with
solubility parameters and crosslinking density have been examined.