From curing technology and manufacturing to application and sustainability, these articles reflect where the field of UV and EB focused its attention in 2025. Together, they highlight the topics, challenges and innovations that resonated most with our readers throughout the year. As we move forward with the first issue of 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back at the UV+EB Technology articles that captured the most interest in 2025 – offering a snapshot of the ideas and priorities that shaped the year and continue to influence the road ahead.
-
Improving Manufacture Efficiency with Water-Based UV-Curable Polyurethanes in Wood Coatings
This article discusses new developments in water-based UV-curable polyurethanes for coating applications in the furniture, flooring and cabinetry industries. These innovative resins offer improved paint stability, faster production speeds, enhanced block resistance and better stain and chemical resistance. A new formulation shows potential to improve manufacturing efficiency, meet performance standards and reduce environmental impact. -
Photo-Rheology and FTIR Cure Analysis of Photopolymer Resins for Additive Manufacturing
This study analyzes photopolymerization in additive manufacturing materials, distinguishing the gel point (onset of elasticity) from the cure point (full cross-linking). Using photo-rheology and FTIR, it tracks the material’s transition and chemical changes over time, offering insights into resin behavior during curing. This dual approach enhances understanding of molecular dynamics and material performance in 3D printing. -
Free Radical Polymerization Kinetics
This article explains the fundamentals of free radical polymerization kinetics in UV/EB curing, covering initiation, propagation, termination, and chain-transfer phases. It describes how radicals form, react with monomers, and terminate, emphasizing that the polymerization rate depends on monomer concentration and the square root of initiator concentration under the steady-state assumption. - Adhesives from Soybeans with a UV Cure: Green, Clean and Lean
Nvirovate Materials is a company that develops soybean-oil-based, compostable and UV-cured adhesives as an alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-based adhesives. These adhesives are bio-based, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, meeting compostability standards for waste disposal. - EB for CO2 Transformation
Electron beam (EB) technology can help address greenhouse gas emissions by transforming CO2 into syngas, a valuable substitute for fossil fuels and a feedstock for various chemicals. Researchers at GTI Energy demonstrated that EB synthesis is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods like steam methane reforming, offering a 60% lower global warming potential. This study highlights the potential of EB in sustainable carbon utilization.
