Radiation-Curable Coatings

摘要

The report gives results of an evaluation of radiation-curable coatings as a technology for reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from surface coating operations. A survey of the literature was conducted to assess the state of the technology and emissions from radiation-curable processes. The information collected from the literature was used to evaluate the engineering and economic issues associated with radiation-curable systems and to identify the requirements for implementing the technology and any problems arising from its use. Topics discussed in the report include coating characteristics, potential VOC reduction capability, potential health problems associated with the use of ultraviolet (UV) coatings, and the economic impacts of conversion to UV coatings. The report provides information to permit an informed judgment on when and how to apply radiation-curable technologies for industrial application. Radiation-curable coatings and inks are higher solids formulations than conventional coatings and, consequently from an air pollution viewpoint, are considered to be well suited substitutes for solvent-based thermal-curable systems. The radiation source for these systems is either an UV light or an accelerated electron beam (EB).