New surface additives for radiation-curable systems - challenges and breakthroughs

 
The multiple advantages of radiation cured coatings (high curing speeds, low energy consumption, cross-linking densities, low levels of volatile organic compounds) led to a wide range of applications in markets such as the graphic arts, coatings, adhesives and electronics sector. Numerous requirements must be fulfilled when developing new silicone surface additives for radiation curable systems: High mobility in the non-cured coating, strong surface orientation but also improved compatibility, good leveling and substrate wetting, defoaming properties and neutral color and odor. The ability to incorporate the additives permanently into the coating or ink layer via crosslinkable groups offers durable silicone properties (slip and release). Additionally, the migration tendency is minimized. Keeping all these aspects in mind, a family of new radiation-curing surface additives was developed showing excellent defoaming and tape release properties and having - at the same time - good compatibility and leveling behavior. A robust manufacturing process guarantees the production of highly functional structures ensuring perfect crosslinkability of the additives for long-lasting performance.