BETHESDA, MD - RadTech, the trade association for UV and EB curing technology, announced the adoption of ASTM D 7767-11, "Standard Test Method to Measure Volatiles from Radiation Curable Acrylate Monomers, Oligomers, and Blends and Thin Coatings Made from Them." The new method gives product formulators the means to compare emissions data on raw materials using information provided on an MSDS and to assure product consistency using a standard cure and testing methodology.

"The acceptance by ASTM of this method culminates a 20-year joint effort between RadTech, ASTM and our industry to develop a valid emissions test method for UV-curable thin acrylate coatings and is a huge success for RadTech and the radiation curing industry," said Robin Wright of 3M. Wright is the developer of the method and led efforts to document the practical and theoretical basis of the test for ASTM. While ASTM D 7767-11 does not provide a direct method for measuring emissions from acrylate coatings that contain pigments and known interferences, it does provide a means to measure emissions data from these blends in the absence of those interferences. For details, visit www.astm.org/Standards/D7767.htm.

Wright will present the method at the upcoming RadTech 2012, held April 30-May 2, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL. For additional information, visit www.radtech2012.com.