RadTech UV+EB

Core-shell impact modifiers are utilized in many thermoset applications, typically as a spray-dried powder that has to be dispersed in a (meth)acrylate monomer resin. This requires specialized equipment that can be costly and can require a lot of energy. Herein, we report a masterbatch containing core-shell particles dispersed in hydrophobic (meth)acrylate monomer made via a more sustainable manufacturing process. Performance properties of these masterbatches will be compared and presented.  

Additive manufacturing is generally considered to be a more environmentally responsible technology by enabling on-demand, local production, with the potential to reduce material waste and minimize logistic footprint. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in the use of more sustainable raw materials. These innovations are a way that all value chain participants can work together to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the materials we use. Arkema has been a pioneer in design, development and supply of bio-based (meth)acrylates with traceable bio content. We are now leveraging this experience to create high-performance photopolymer 3D printing formulations with high bio content. From safer products answering regulatory realities to materials with lower carbon footprint, the needs and opportunities for more sustainable solutions is expansive. Join our talk to learn what Arkema can offer for photopolymerization 3D printing technologies to help the industry reach both sustainability goals and performance needs.

Plastic recycling is a critical action to protect our environment, conserve finite resources, reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing and support the transition to more sustainable production practices. However, removing UV-cured inks, overprint varnishes or primers is challenging, especially for plastic substrates. Arkema will present its new findings and approach to de-inking of UV-cured systems, focusing primarily on new materials to enable de-inking of plastic films.

In response to the global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) in the next decade, automotive manufacturers worldwide are intensifying their focus on EV production. This surge in EV adoption has created a demand for enhanced performance in battery-related coatings. Among the solutions gaining traction, UV-curable coatings have garnered significant attention from manufacturers due to their rapid curing rate, minimal energy consumption, and ease of application processes. These qualities are pivotal for achieving heightened industrial efficiency and enabling large-scale production. Notably, sprayable UV-cured coatings with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a 100% solid composition are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional PET films. They offer comparable dielectric protection while having thinner profiles and eliminating the risk of delamination. Within this context, Arkema is positioned to showcase its cutting-edge UV-curable acrylate resins and photoinitiators, empowering formulators to address the multifaceted challenges of this application. These products offer outstanding dielectric properties, superior adhesion, flexibility, and seamless assembly capabilities, further reinforcing the EV industry's pursuit of advanced battery coatings.

A platform of "Inherently Reactive" urethane acrylate oligomers has been developed which incorporates photoinitiator functionality into the oligomer backbone.  The resulting polymer-bound initiating chemistry allows for low or potentially zero odor and extractables related to the initiating functionality.  Unlike traditional polymeric photoinitiators, these inherently reactive oligomers also provide the basic mechanical and film forming properties of a formulated product, similar to traditional acrylated oligomers.  The paper will provide the methods used to synthesize the new oligomers and performance comparisons to small molecule photoinitiators.

Acrylic co-polymers can be incorporated into UV resins to enhance a variety of coating properties such as adhesion, flexibility and toughness. In addition to customizing the co-polymer backbone to target specific properties, one can also graft photo-reactive species onto the co-polymer in order to make a self-reacting resin. These systems would provide comparable reactivity and performance to traditional UV/EB formulations, while lowering the risk of extractables in the final product.