While work on the first issue of 2021 is well underway, we paused to see which UV+EB Technology articles from 2020 caught the eyes of our readers. The following stories were the top reads from 2020 for visitors to the website.

1. Photoinitiator Effect on Depth of Cure in Visible Light Cure Polymerization

The choice of photoinitiator (PI) is an important factor in the polymerization characteristics of light cure materials. This study investigated the influence of PI type and concentration on the surface tackiness and depth of cure (DOC) of experimental light cure acrylate formulations with several UV/visible photoinitiators.

2. Reactive Diluents to Overcome Challenges in UV-Curable Inkjet Inks and Coatings Applications

Solving the challenges facing UV-/EB-curable applications – such as regulatory pressure for favorable toxicological profiles and enhanced technical performances of UV-curable formulations – are addressed herein by oxazolidinone-based reactive diluent structures.

3. Understanding Glass Transition Temperature: Part 1

In a previous edition of Professor’s Corner, a simple rubber band was used to illustrate how its macromolecular structure creates its unique properties. Among the most important and useful of these properties is its flexibility. The flexibility is a result of a very low glass transition temperature (Tg).

4. UV LED curing systems: Measuring accurately and eliminating safety hazards

Ultraviolet (UV) LED technologies are progressing very rapidly in recent years, both in performance and cost. Therefore, the measurement equipment and methods for UV LED curing systems must be well understood.

5. UV-Cured Powder Coating Speeds MDF Application Process Time

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, and occupying adjacent buildings, Keyland Polymer and DVUV have found ways to collaborate well beyond their physical proximity. As an innovator in the application of UV-cured powder coating on medium-density fiberboard (MDF), DVUV specializes in custom powder-coated components or parts for the retail, store fixture, POP display, healthcare, educational and office furniture industries.