UV/EB (ultraviolet/electron beam) curable monomers are the core components of radiation curing technology. Through light-induced free radical polymerization, a highly cross-linked cured layer can be formed within seconds. Compared with traditional thermal curing, UV/EB technology has the significant advantages of solvent-free, low energy consumption, and efficient production, which is in line with the trend of global environmental protection regulations. Taking Shenzhen U-Sunny's HM-103 and other products as an example, this type of monomer has demonstrated excellent performance in the fields of coatings, adhesives, inks, etc., and has become a key material for industrial upgrading.
1. Technical advantages of UV/EB curable monomers
High-efficiency curing and environmentally friendly properties
UV/EB monomers (such as acrylates) trigger polymerization through radiation, without high-temperature heating, and reduce energy consumption by more than 70%. The formula does not contain volatile solvents (VOCs), reducing environmental pollution and occupational health risks.
Customizable performance
The functional group design of the monomer (such as the number of double bonds and molecular weight) directly affects the hardness, flexibility and chemical resistance of the cured film. For example, low-viscosity monomers (such as HDDA) can optimize the coating process, while multifunctional monomers (such as PDDA) increase the cross-linking density.
Wide compatibility
UV/EB monomers can be compounded with oligomers such as polyurethane and epoxy to meet the adhesion requirements of various substrates such as plastics, metals, and wood.
2. Analysis of core application scenarios
Environmentally friendly adhesives
UV/EB curing hot melt adhesives (such as HM-103) cure quickly after direct coating, eliminating the solvent recovery step of traditional adhesives, and are suitable for packaging and electronic device packaging.
High-performance coatings
Monomers represented by cyclohexanedimethanol diacrylate (CHDMDA) give the coating excellent wear and scratch resistance, and are used in automotive varnishes and optical film protective layers.
Printing inks
UV inkjet inks combine the rapid curing characteristics of monomers to achieve high-precision manufacturing of Braille printing and electronic circuits without solvent residue.
3. Innovative practice of HM-103 monomer
HM-103 of Shenzhen Youyang is a representative product, which adopts a low migration monomer formula and is suitable for food packaging inks and laminating adhesives. Its features include:
Low Tg design: Enhances the "bite" adhesion to the plastic substrate and forms an interpenetrating network (IPN) structure after curing.
Fast curing response: Compatible with electron beam (EB), realizes the "wet-on-wet" process in multi-layer printing, and improves production line efficiency.
Compliance: Meets FDA and other food contact material standards and reduces the risk of volatile substances.
IV. Future Trends: Sustainable Development of Bio-based Monomers
As environmental pressure intensifies, bio-based monomers such as 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate (PDDA) have become a hot topic. It uses renewable furfural as raw material, has comparable performance to petroleum-based HDDA, and has a 25% lower cost, providing a green alternative for the UV/EB industry.
UV/EB curable monomers are driving the transformation and upgrading of industries such as coatings and adhesives with their advantages of high efficiency, environmental protection and customization. The application of innovative products such as HM-103, combined with breakthroughs in bio-based technologies, will continue to lead the sustainable development of the industry. Enterprises need to focus on formula optimization and compliance standards to seize the technological commanding heights.
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