Evaluation os some Parameters Influencing the Properties of UV Curable Coatings

UV curable organic-inorganic hard-coats, containing functionalized nanosized silica dispersed in
organic solvents, can be used to provide, plastic substrates with abrasion and chemical resistance. We have investigated the influence of some parameters that influence the properties of the cured coatings. In order to optimize abrasion resistance, the photoinitiator used must be tailored to the bulb of the UV source and cure dose. Good adhesion to most plastic is observed, and is not affected by variations in the nature of the solvent. We also observed that good adhesion is necessary to obtain good flexibility, and that the influence of the solvent of the flexibility mirrors the influence of the solvent on the adhesion. Finally, the concentration of reactive filler can be increased up to 15% to improve abrasion resistance, without any detrimental effect on either adhesion or transparency.