While work on the first issue of 2025 is well underway, we paused to see which UV+EB Technology articles from 2024 caught the eyes of our readers. The following stories were the top reads from 2024 for visitors to the website.

1. UV-Curable Wood Coatings: Answering the Industry’s Questions
UV-Curable Wood Coatings: Answering the Industry’s Questions
Over the course of doing business with industrial customers on an international basis, the author has addressed an incredible number of questions and have provided many solutions associated with UV-curable coatings. What follows are some of the more frequent questions, and the accompanying answers may provide helpful insight.

2. Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics
Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics
Free radical polymerization, a key process in UV/EB technology, involves three main steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. This kinetic model helps explain how reactants transform into polymer products at the molecular level, though it’s important to note that such mechanisms are hypotheses that can be disproven but never definitively proven.

3. Advanced Coatings: Eastern Michigan University Group Develops Bio-Renewable Materials, New Cross-Linking Chemistries and Unique Processing Methods
Advanced Coatings: Eastern Michigan University Group Develops Bio-Renewable Materials, New Cross-Linking Chemistries and Unique Processing Methods
Dr. Mannari earned the award for his group’s research and development of sustainable polymeric materials and processes for advanced coatings. He reports his “… research group is combining strengths of bio-renewable materials, efficient cross-linking chemistries and novel processing techniques for developing a platform for sustainable materials that will advance UV-cure technology and enhance the sustainability of industrial products.”

4. The Latest Happenings in Chemical Regulations in 2024
The Latest Happenings in Chemical Regulations in 2024
The regulatory landscape for chemicals has become increasingly challenging. In particular, the sustainability benefits from UV/EB technologies unfortunately are shadowed by the reproductive concerns associated with several photoinitiators and the long delays associated with nearly every new chemical submission made in the US.

5. The Cost and Value of Electron Beam
The Cost and Value of Electron Beam
The high initial cost of electron beam (EB) technology often deters companies from adopting it. However, EB’s long-term value, capabilities and potential savings may offset the upfront expense. Businesses need to carefully evaluate EB technology, considering both its cost and its potential to enhance production processes and reduce recurring expenses.