UV Meets Colour: A Numerical Simulation of the Through-Cure of Pigmented UV Coatings

The physical interactions between electro-magnetic radiation and colour pigments in pigmented UV coatings complicate the through-cure of such coating films. We illustrate the effects due to the interference of the UV lamp spectral power distribution, wavelength dependant pigmented film transmittance and spectral susceptibility of the photo-initiator. These effects can be simulated numerically as a function of e.g. UV lamp type, pigment type and concentration, and film thickness in order to achieve proper pigmentation and film parameters for a satisfying degree of through cure.