Radiation Curable Composition for Oxygen-Resistant Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation curable compositions face limitations in terms of speed, efficiency, and multi-functional capabilities, particularly in achieving a tack-free coating in an oxygen environment and providing both fire retardant and clear coat properties.
Innovation Solution
A radiation curable composition comprising acrylate monomers or oligomers, thiol monomers or oligomers, a photoinitiator, a radical inhibitor, and surface additives, which can be cured using low radiant flux energy, enabling rapid curing in an oxygen environment and providing a clear coat with fire retardant properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiation curable compositions are used, then curing can be achieved, but the curing time is extended and the coating is not tack-free in an oxygen environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite photoinitiator system combining Type I (e.g., TPO, TPO-L) and Type II (e.g., TIX, BZK) photoinitiators with specific acrylate-thiol monomer combinations. This composite approach enables simultaneous radical generation mechanisms that overcome oxygen inhibition and achieve complete cure in 60 seconds or less, producing a truly tack-free coating even in oxygen-rich environments where conventional single-system formulations fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including photoinitiator concentration ratios (Type I/Type II), monomer functional group ratios (acrylate/thiol), and molecular weights to achieve rapid curing. By adjusting these parameters, the formulation achieves complete polymerization in 60 seconds or less with zero tack, transforming the kinetic profile of the curing reaction to overcome traditional limitations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coating compositions are used, then basic coating functions are provided, but multi-functional capabilities (clear coat, fire retardant, improved holdout) are not achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal coating formulation that simultaneously delivers clear coat transparency, fire retardancy (exceeding UL 94 V-0 standards), improved holdout, and rapid curing in a single composition. This is achieved by selecting base polymers and additives that are compatible with all desired functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coatings and simplifying the overall coating system while achieving superior multi-functionality.
3Productivity
If high radiant flux energy is used for curing, then curing speed is improved, but the risk of overheating and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pulsed or intermittent UV irradiation patterns rather than continuous high-intensity exposure. The photoinitiator system is designed to accumulate sufficient activation energy through periodic dosing, allowing the curing reaction to proceed rapidly while dissipating heat between pulses. This prevents thermal runaway and substrate degradation while maintaining high productivity through efficient energy utilization.
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
The composition achieves rapid curing to form a tack-free, chemically resistant, and non-permeable coating with improved holdout and fire retardant properties, enhancing production efficiency, reducing setup and cleanup labor, and offering environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a photoinitiator component; and being curable with an energy source having a wavelength in a range from about 360 nm to about 420 nm
Implementation Method 2
a radical inhibitor component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to an energy curable composition, and more particularly to unique and novel uses of the composition such as one or two or more of the following a performance additives, clear coat, composite material, resin, top coat, improved holdout coating, a sealant coat, combinations of the same.