Radiation curing, an innovative and rapidly growing technology, is used in markets such as graphic arts (including overprint varnishes and inks), coatings (including wood and general industrial coatings), and adhesives and electronics. The technology is mainly characterized by its instant curing within seconds or even less, which permits high rates of production. In addition to high productivity, other benefits of the process include space saving, waste reduction and low-temperature treatment. Moreover, radiation curing is associated with ecological benefits such as low emissions and energy consumption.
The development of radiation-curable coating formulations is advancing rapidly, with significant performance improvements in recent years. Radiation-curable coatings can be applied to a large number of materials and exhibit good adhesion properties on various substrates (displaying a high degree of surface hardness and gloss). In terms of realizing more eco-friendly products, the development of solvent-free formulations has been widely promoted. This fast-moving development results in many new challenges and requirements with respect to radiation-curable compositions. In many cases, the use of additives helps to overcome technical problems and improve or fine-tune the properties of the final coating.