While work on the first issue of 2024 is well underway, we paused to see which UV+EB Technology articles from 2023 caught the eyes of our readers. The following stories were the top reads from 2023 for visitors to the website.
1. Structured Urethane Acrylates in LVT Applications
Structured Urethane Acrylates in LVT Applications
Free-radically cured acrylate coatings are known for their fast cure response and enhanced performance properties when compared to conventional thermoplastic coatings. This is, in part, due to the presence of cross-linking, which has been known to improve properties such as stain resistance, hardness and chemical resistance.
2. Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics
Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics
With the noted exception of thiol-ene photopolymerization – a free-radically initiated “step-growth” polymerization process – UV/EB polymerization involves chain-growth polymerization kinetics. This includes both free radical and cationic processes.
3.A New Class of UV-Curable Binders for Battery Applications
A New Class of UV-Curable Binders for Battery Applications
The types of UV chemistries used to prepare UV binders are reviewed, along with end-product testing and the physical properties of UV binder films and cathodes for Li-ion batteries. Coin cell performance prepared from these newer UV binders for NMC811 active material also will be discussed.
4. Direct-to-Shape Printing for the Craft Beer Can Market
Direct-to-Shape Printing for the Craft Beer Can Market
Juno DTS, a new commercial direct-to-shape printer in West Chester Township, Ohio, chose craft beer cans as its first market sector.
5. Cure Test Methods: UV/EB/LED Coatings & Inks
Cure Test Methods: UV/EB/LED Coatings & Inks
Identifying the point at which a coating is cured is important to maintain consistent physical properties and performance, but it becomes even more critical when potential migration of uncured components is a consideration. Migration testing by extraction can be expensive, and the results are only reliable for coatings which have the same level of cure or greater.
