UV Curing to the Optical Films is an essential technology

UV Curing to the Optical Films is an essential technology that mainly uses photo initiator as the agent to the acrylic derivatives through the UV light, as the cure source, to trigger free radical polymerization thereafter generates clear acrylic film.

Customer sometimes does not request weathering test at all because of acrylic’s photo-resistance has been best known as very stable material. Despites of that, weathering test can still be required upon request when the restricted requirements are applied and the choice of UV absorber becomes significant to the results. Currently, the industry is following ASTM G154-1 & G154-2 and the length of exposure time is varying from a hundred hours to couple hundred hours. In general speaking, a hundred hours is equivalent to 2-4 months outdoor sun exposures depend on the locations. Although these optical films are not directly exposing to the sunlight in the application, but with the respect to a hundred hours weathering test data, it should provide enough information to interpret the changes as after a number of years in the reality. UV absorber becomes a crucial element as the key to achieve and enhance the performance in the weathering test.

As an engineer, questions of how to define the balance in these two systems are always difficult, as these systems are theoretically in a total conflict. In the theory, UV absorber absorbs and cuts the UV light to prevent material degression while UV lights also plays a major role in curing process to solidify and dry up the material. In another words, adding too much UV absorber will extend the UV curing process therefore sacrificing the production time, and if is too less, the performance in weathering test will not be as expected or peak performance. The technology and Know-How background in this area is a “Must”

In Everlight Chemical, we realized this industrial needs; therefore, we present our latest technology to the industry - EVERSORB UR210, a revolutionary UV absorber that specifically design for UV curing application, which allows UV curing process carrying on its normal speed while the total film thickness is under 40μ. With this latest technology, Everlight Chemical provides UV curing industry another option and flexibility for their product developments. Now, “Use It As Needed” means EVERSORB UR210 gives you the capability to upgrade your product performance in weathering test without any hassle. With only 1~3% of EVERSORB UR210 to your original formulation, you can sit back relax and enjoy the benefit.

Nothing explains EVERSORB UR210 better than the statistic table shows in below. The designated experiment has chosen a basic formula which includes: Epoxy Acrylate 38% w/w, TPGDA 24% w/w, HDDA 38% w/w, and 5% photoinitiator 184.

As the result in the chart, this model formula requires 0.12 J/cm2 to cure its coating in the control group which only 5% photoinitiator 184 is added. Despite the UV absorber is added, the test group also shows no difference in comparison to the control group no matter the range of 1~3% has been used. 
EVERSORB UR210 does not interfere nor consume the energy with the curing process.

To understand the significant feature of EVERSORB UR210 that does not exchange the curing speed to the UV protection. A 100 hours weathering test has been assembled under the ASTM G154-2.

As from the result, EVERSORB UR210 has proved its ability to protect the UV curing material from the UV light damaging. 

In summary, EVERSORB UR210 not only keeping the speed of UV curing material production but also provides “Use It As Needed” option to the manufacturer when there’s a need for enhancing the performance in weathering test. Another great deal of EVERSORB UR210, there is no need to pull other resources to struggle with the product improvement, it can be as easy as 1~3% is added to your original formula and then sit back enjoy the benefit!

Everlight Chemical, we service and stay close with our customers on product development and keep them stay competitive in the market. 

For more information, please contact us.