T‑7020 Urethane Acrylate: High‑Performance UV Resin for Flexible Soft‑Substrate Applications

In the coatings, inks, and adhesives industry, the choice of raw material directly determines product performance and process reliability. When treating soft substrates such as TPU and PVC, formulators constantly seek a balance between flexibility, adhesion, and chemical resistance. T‑7020 is a difunctional urethane acrylate UV resin specifically designed for applications that demand high flexibility and elongation on soft materials.

Product Characteristics

T‑7020 is molecularly engineered with a well‑balanced ratio of flexible and rigid segments. It has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of –15 °C, a molecular weight (GPC) of 2600, a viscosity of 35 000 cps at 25 °C, and a specific gravity of 1.12. The low Tg ensures good segmental mobility at room temperature, which is the structural basis for its excellent elongation and flexibility.

In practical use, T‑7020 exhibits a fast curing response and, after UV exposure, forms a protective layer with a relatively high surface hardness on soft substrates. This combination addresses two often conflicting requirements: the coating resists scratching and abrasion while maintaining enough flexibility to accommodate substrate deformation, so it does not crack or delaminate upon bending or stretching.

Adhesion tests show outstanding cross‑hatch results on TPU and PVC surfaces. The coating retains firm attachment even after thermal cycling. In addition, the cured film offers strong scratch resistance and excellent resistance to solvent attack.

Main Application Fields

UV Adhesives – In UV‑curable adhesives, thick‑layer curing and post‑cure cracking are common challenges. With T‑7020 as the base resin, its low shrinkage and good extensibility keep the adhesive layer intact under flexural stress. It is suitable for UV moulding, gel nail coatings, and conformal surface covering applications.

UV Coatings – In TPU vacuum metallisation (PVD) processes, T‑7020 adheres reliably to the plated surface. For PVC flooring coatings, the film withstands repeated cleaning without discolouration or blistering. In optical fibre coatings and thin‑film treatments that involve winding and bending, the coating maintains its integrity and does not become brittle.

UV Inks – T‑7020 shows good compatibility in flexo, offset, and screen printing ink systems. In high‑speed flexo printing, it offers fast surface drying to prevent smudging; in screen printing, it delivers vibrant colours and good rub resistance.

Formulation Compatibility and Processing Guidelines

Monomer Compatibility – T‑7020 is miscible with most conventional reactive monomers. When extra elongation and flexibility are needed, it is recommended to blend with low‑Tg monomers such as EOEOEA.

Solvent Selection – The resin dissolves in esters, ketones, and aromatic hydrocarbons, but it is not soluble in pure alcohols. It can be dissolved in mixed solvents containing alcohols and ethers.

Polymer Miscibility – T‑7020 is compatible with polyesters, epoxies, polyurethanes, phosphates, and other acrylates, giving formulators wide latitude for system adjustment.

Curing Conditions – Full cure is achieved at a UV dose of at least 500 mJ/cm². In metallisation applications, the cured film does not exhibit hazing or rainbow interference.

Synergistic Use – For improved adhesion between TPU basecoat and the vacuum‑plated metal layer, T‑7020 can be used together with Trust 7210, a difunctional urethane acrylate that enhances interlayer bonding.

Technical Data Summary

With its balanced performance in flexibility, adhesion, cure speed, and chemical resistance, T‑7020 offers a reliable resin option for UV coatings, inks, and adhesives on soft substrates. Formulators can use it either as the main binder or as a modifying component, depending on the specific process requirements and end‑use demands.