Radiation-Curable Coating Gloss Tuning via Two-Stage UV Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting gloss levels of coatings on substrates using radiation treatment are limited to specific matte and deep matte ranges, lacking flexibility to achieve a broader range of gloss levels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two stages of radiation treatment: initial treatment radiation to create increased surface waviness and reduced gloss, followed by post-treatment radiation to modify the surface structure and increase gloss, using monochromatic radiation with specific wavelengths to achieve a targeted and predictable gloss adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If treatment radiation is applied to create increased surface waviness and reduced gloss, then the gloss level is reduced to matte or deep matte ranges, but the ability to achieve higher gloss levels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation treatment process is divided into two separate stages: initial treatment radiation to create surface waviness and reduce gloss, followed by post-treatment radiation to modify the surface structure and increase gloss. This segmentation allows independent control of each stage's parameters, enabling access to both matte and glossy finishes without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The initial treatment radiation is applied first to create the surface waviness and reduce gloss to matte or deep matte ranges. This preliminary action prepares the surface structure that can subsequently be modified by post-treatment radiation to achieve higher gloss levels, expanding the overall adaptability of the process.
2Manufacturing precision
If treatment radiation is used to reduce gloss level, then surface waviness is increased, but subsequent adjustment to higher gloss levels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes changes in radiation parameters between two stages: initial treatment radiation with specific wavelengths to create surface waviness, and post-treatment radiation with different parameters to modify and smooth the surface structure. By changing radiation parameters between stages, precise control over final gloss level is achieved while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the transformation of a low gloss coating to a higher gloss level with precise control over the final surface waviness and gloss level, allowing for a broader range of gloss adjustments with predictable results.
Implementation Method 1
treatment radiation, in particular with certain wavelengths in the range of 150 to 230 nm, which, during the partial curing process of the radiation-curable, in particular liquid, coating or a radiation-curable fluid, generates a chemical cross-linking of a surface layer
Implementation Method 2
blasting post-treatment radiation onto the coating so that the at least partially cured fluid is irradiated with the post-treatment radiation and is provided with a subsequently reduced surface waviness by locally altering the fluid surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the gloss level of a coating on a substrate that has been reduced in gloss by radiation treatment, wherein the coating is applied by depositing a radiation-curable fluid onto the substrate, and in a treatment zone, the fluid surface is provided with increased surface waviness and a reduced gloss level by means of radiation treatment, and the fluid is at least partially cured for coating. The invention further relates to a coated substrate produced by such a method.