Energy (UV/EB) Curable Resins

Ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) energy-cured coatings delivery excellent characteristics.

Ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) energy-cured coatings have excellent appearance, durability, and little or no VOC emissions, while enabling increased productivity and lower overall costs per cured part.

allnex is the pioneer in UV resin/radcure technology and applications development.

We are the world’s leading producer of energy-curable resins for industrial and plastic coatings as well as packaging coatings and inks applications, driving market growth and end-user acceptance of this unique technology.

allnex energy (UV/EB) curable resins technologies

Acrylates feature a broad range of chemical structures. By carefully selecting the acrylate(s), superior properties are achieved and process improvements can be realized by lowering the viscosity, increasing the reactivity and avoiding VOCs.

Our customers have come to rely on our broad range of innovative resins including:

• 100% solids UV curable resins and oligomers

• Waterborne UV curable resins

• UV curable resins derived from renewable raw materials

• Low Extractables and Odor (LEO) resins specifically formulated for use in low odor, low migration inks and coatings applied to food and pharmaceutical packaging

• A wide range of urethane acrylates, polyester acrylates, amino acrylates and epoxy acrylates

• Specially-designed photo initiators and additives that enhance the performance of energy-cured coatings.

allnex energy (UV/EB) curable resins innovation snapshot

With 5 laboratories dedicated to UV/EB technology across the world, allnex is committed to remain the pioneer of the UV/EB technology as well as to support locally our clients for their specific needs. Our experienced scientists as well as our application test materials are the two major assets of our R&D. Our objective: be first in mind when it comes to resin innovation.

Here are some examples of our latest innovations:

• LED UV curing is spreading fast in graphics and wood coatings with a need for surface cure without yellowing.

• Sustainability is being sought from reduced energy matched to bio preferred and recycled content resins

• Chemicals of Concern must be understood as new rules govern BPA, tin, monomers and solvents including the latest TSCA regulations and plans for upcoming REACH 2018.

• Plastic or Metal adhesion (including food packaging) can be challenging especially when flexibility is required.

• Photoinitiator replacement with Self-Curing Resins or electron beam can solve food packaging migration concerns

• Special effects including high/low RI, soft touch and dead matt can make brand owners packaging stand out

• Outside of wood coatings, waterborne UV resins are beginning to find their way into inkjet inks for corrugated containers and large retail displays.

• Stricter weathering requirements for outdoor applications are being met with starting point formulations using newer, high performance resins.