RTE News 2013 April issue (1)

www.radtech-europe.com April 2013, Issue No. 1

Announcing

RTE Conference & Exhibition 2013

RTE Anniversary year 2013

Reporting

European Coatings Show 2013

The perfect cure?

News from the Industry

Update

Update on REACH

RADTECHRADTECHRADTECH

EUROPE

1Promoting & Developing UV & EB Technology in European Industry

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 1 09-05-13 20:52

2 RADTECH NEWS www.radtech-europe.com

Calendar of Events 2013May 201320 – 24 RadTech Asia Conference 2013 Shanghai, China

September 201326 – 27 Smart and Functional Coatings Conference Turin, Italy

October 201315 – 17 RTE Conference & Exhibition 2013 Basel, Switzerland

28 – 30 38. Munich Adhesives and Finishing Symposium 2013 Munich, Germany

Advertisement pricesRadTech Europe offers members and non members the possibility to place an advertisement in the RadTech News. Prices per issue: 1.500 Euro for 1 full colour page and 750 Euro for a ½ full colour page. All advertisers taking up an advertisement in one or more issues of RadTech News will get the opportunity to add one page editorial space in the magazine. The article should be of general interest to our readership.

Advertising on RTE website The RadTech Europe website (www.radtech-europe.com) is the go-to source for the European UV and EB industry. On average, the site attracts 15,000 – 18,000 page views divided over 10,000 - 12,000 visitor sessions per month. In the months surrounding the RadTech Europe Conference & Exhibition or other leading projects, the RTE site attracted nearly 50,000 visitors per month. A lot of this traffic is generated by registered visitors, potential RTE members that remain updated on RTE’s activities through regular newsflashes. Your company’s digital advertising reaches all those directly involved in, associated with, and even just interested in, the UV/EB Technology.

NEW: Business Case With the new and improved RTE website launched in October 2011, RTE offers a whole new way of advertising. If you are a RTE member and you are interested in more exposure for your company's latest developments/products, make use of the Business Case on our website! You get a full page on the RTE website, together with short summary which will be featured prominently on the home page and related industry pages, giving you maximum exposure on the relevant parts of the website. Ask the Secretariat for more information.

If you are interested please contact the Secretariat at [email protected] or find more detailed information in the Advertisement & Media Rates 2013 brochure on http://www.radtech-europe.com

New company membersPhoseon Technology Inc. Rob Karsten Category 2

New individual membersPhoseon Technology Inc. Dirk ExnerPhoseon Technology Inc. Herman Horters

RadTech Europe welcomes all new members!

New members of RadTech Europe in 2013


The congress programme is now

available on

www.european-coatings.com/radtech

Register now!!

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3RADTECH NEWS

www.radtech-europe.comwww.radtech-europe.com

This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of RadTech Europe, and will be returning to where it all began in 1988: Basel.

Since then, radiation curing has developed from an up-and-coming new technology into being well-established in various markets. As an association, we have done our utmost to help this process with our initiatives over the years, such as our signature events, the creation of the UV and EB protocols and discussions with other players.

But while much has been achieved and UV and EB growth rates have exceeded conventional technologies year over year, UV and EB still have to make a significant impact in a number of application areas. Where we, as an organization, have traditionally been focussed on our industry and our members, we are now shifting our attention outward, to new markets and new potential end-users.

Our freshly-announced collaboration with PR agency Duomedia is squarely aimed at realizing this. You will be seeing a lot more from us in the media; not only you, but companies unfamiliar with UV and EB as well. The first articles have resulted in coverage in a wide array of publications, and we will build on these stories to increase the visibility of UV and EB technology. Of course, this does not mean we are forgetting about the backbone of RadTech Europe: you, our members. We will propose to increase the number of member representatives for our larger members at our next General Assembly, to give more people within your organization access to the benefits we offer.

Moreover, our members have more ways to be visible than ever before. We urge you to use the possibilities we offer. For one, our upcoming Innovation Awards provide a great way to gain new business leads and recognition for the hard work of your company. With the conference around the corner, the website will become even more of a centre of attention, so be sure to complete your company

profile. It only takes 5 minutes, and as the profile is cross-linked to any news or articles from your company, the more you contribute, the more traffic it generates!

For our conference, we will celebrate our first 25 years in style, reflecting on achievements, and looking forward to the future at an after work anniversary party. This year, we will again offer members the exclusive opportunity to give new product introductions at the show floor. As a bonus, these presentations will be recorded and provided to the member for their own promotional use.

Finally, as has been the case for the past 25 years, we are only as good as our members. So step forward with your ideas and suggestions, and we will provide the platform to push radiation curing to greater heights.

Yours sincerely,

David HelsbyPresident of RadTech Europe

Word of the PresidentContentsCalendar of events 2

Advertisement Prices 2

Word of the President 3

RTE Conference 2013 4

RTE Innovation Awards 4

RadTech Europe partners with duomedia 6

Article ‘The Perfect Cure’ 6

Report on European Coatings Show 2013 8

Article ‘DSM’ 8

RADNews Supplement

Industrial and Technical Information

from the PRA

HSE Update 17

News from the industry 18

Colophon 20

How to become a member of RadTech Europe?Visit us at www.radtech-europe.com for more information and to download the registration form 2013 or contact the RadTech Europe Secretariat at [email protected]

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 3 09-05-13 20:52


PJ

photoinitiators

.

Lamberti S.p.A. Via Marsala 38/D 21013 Gallarate –VA – Italy, phone +39 0331 715779, fax +39 0331 715800

Internet : www.esacure.com; e-‐mail : [email protected]

innovation

research and development

market oriented

green philosophy

people

health and safety

Call for Entries RadTech Europe Innovation Awards

To culminate in the 25th Jubilee Awards Ceremony

RadTech Europe introduces the entry and participation details of its bi-annual and 6th edition of its international ‘Innovations Awards’. This call for entries is being addressed to all companies with innovative applications that have been manufactured using UV or EB curable inks, coating or adhesives and/or produced in any printing, manufacturing or construction application that uses radiation curing technology.

David Helsby, President of RadTech Europe. “A hallmark that signals to customers the winning company’s contribution to manufacturing excellence achieved through the use of UV/EB radiation curing technology.”

Closing date for entries is 15 September 2013. Entry details can be found on www.radtech-europe.com.

The awards competition targets all sectors of the industry and will culminate in an awards ceremony during RadTech Europe’s 25th Jubilee Conference and Exhibition on the 15th of October in Basel, Switzerland. The conference and exhibition theme “Growing through Innovation” is built around the future of radiation curing, will examine new and emerging trends and innovations, and take a close look at new applications of UV and EB curing. As such, it is the platform for honoring the innovation award winners of 2013, acknowledging the efforts and investments companies make in bringing the benefits of UV and EB curing on to an even broader raft of application areas.

Award winner of the previous edition was DELO Industrial Adhesive in Basel for the develop-ment of light-curing, transparent adhesives for display bonding. “The growing demands in display bonding require special adhesives that give good adhesion and trans parence, are resistant to chemicals, and reduce the reflec-tions of the display surface”, says Dr. Dietmar Dengler, Director Chemistry at DELO. “This award has helped us in bringing this inno va-tive solution to a growing market much faster.”

“RadTech Europe provides winners with a prestigious sales and marketing tool,” says

Under the theme “UV/EB – Growing through Innovation” the RadTech Europe Conference 2013 will once again contain around 100 presentations and poster contributions on radiation curing technology. This three day event attracts some 600 top participants from all over the world focussing on the impact of new materials and curing equipment on innovative and existing market applications.

The list of technical topics includes adhesives, advances in photochemistry & polymerisation, application properties, equipment, graphic arts, HSE (health-safety-environment), Ink Jet / Digital, innovations, new synthesis routes, chemistries and structures, powder coatings and wood and surface performance.

NEW PRODUCT PRESENTATIONSAs in 2011, the RadTech Europe Conference & Exhibition 2013 will again offer a commercial session featuring New Product Introduction that is going to be held in the exhibition area. This is an exclusive opportunity for RadTech Europe members only to present the latest trends and developments in products and equipment. The commercial presentations should be 15 minutes in length, the cost is

€ 550,– per presentation. Abstracts may be submitted until September 15, 2013. Please note that places are limited and submissions are handled on a first come, first served basis.

5 Reasons to attend:• Learn firsthand from colleagues that have

successfully overcome challenges and implemented solutions

• Keep up to date on latest products and new emerging technologies

• Take the opportunity to build or extend your professional network during various networking opportunities

• Get immediate answers and solutions to common issues directly from vendors on the exhibition floor

• Celebrate the 25th anniversary of RTE Europe at the after work party!

THE DETAILED PROGRAMME WILL BE ONLINE IN MAY 2013 ON WWW.EUROPEAN-COATINGS.COM/RADTECH

UV/EB – Growing through InnovationOctober 15-17, 2013 in Basel/Switzerland

RTE Conference & Exhibition 2013 Programme Update

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www.radtech-europe.com

PJ

photoinitiators

.

Lamberti S.p.A. Via Marsala 38/D 21013 Gallarate –VA – Italy, phone +39 0331 715779, fax +39 0331 715800

Internet : www.esacure.com; e-‐mail : [email protected]

innovation

research and development

market oriented

green philosophy

people

health and safety

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 5 09-05-13 20:52


The Perfect Cure?Find out where the energy curing industry is heading and

how companies can be part of its future success

RadTech Europe partners with duomedia

Duomedia, a leading pan-European agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for graphic arts, industrial, and technology markets, announces it has signed a partnership with RadTech Europe. RadTech Europe is the association that pro-motes the development, use and benefits of UV/EB curing technology for inks, coatings and adhesives for a wide variety of industrial segments.

Lutt Willems from duomedia commented: “Working with associations is a very rewarding ‘mission’. Beyond networking, associations face new challenges to stay abreast with the latest communication technologies, to secure member recruitment and retainment. And facilitate access to relevant industry knowledge. We are pleased that RadTech Europe has selected duomedia as its preferred partner to contribute to these objectives and provide for an integrated PR

by David Helsby, President, RadTech Europe, the industry association supporting the energy curing technologies used across a variety of markets.

It is a fact of life that many people, in many industries, believe that energy curing – using UV or EB – is a new technology, or, at best, in its infancy. Neither is true. The technology took its first steps 40 years ago. Today, both systems offer high-technology solutions to curing – drying or bonding – of all kinds of materials, from composite laminates, plastic shoes and bags, smartphone outer casings and inkjet to printing inks. Energy curing is fast, reliable, and cost-efficient.

RadTech’s missionThis year, RadTech Europe – the association created by the leading players in the energy curing supply chain – celebrates its 25th anniversary. In my role as President, it is my mission to promote members’ expertise, and encourage an increase in our membership to reflect the broadening markets; to bring a knowledge of the capabilities of our core technology to an even wider audience; and to dispel any remaining myths surrounding it.

and communication program and this in close collaboration with Lejeune Association Management, The Netherlands. “UV and EB curing technology and appli cation development are on the rise and offer signifi-cant advantages over conventional systems in numerous areas, said David Helsby, President of RadTech Europe. Hence further investment in a comprehensive communication/PR pro-gram is the logical next step in professionaliz-ing our association and interaction with mem-bers, the trade press and related stakeholders. RadTech Europe will also be celebrating its 25th jubilee this year. This is the right time to com-municate about the future of a 40 year ‘young’ technology more often and secure the industry is fully aware of the many benefits it has to offer.

Energy curing: key featuresTwo parallel paths using radiation curing are currently in use: ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) processing. Their acceptance was driven by the speed at which they can achieve a cure; by their suitability for use with substrates which are heat-sensitive; by their reduced energy usage compared to traditional drying methods; and because of their improved environmental credentials. This combination of benefits has proved a winner. Energy curing can eliminate most of the solvents needed for traditional processes and, for manufacturers of products of all kinds, can ease the route to VOC compliance.

Biggest volume market: industrial coatingsThe greatest volume of usage of energy curing products is, overall, seen in the industrial coatings market. Here, while the plastics, electronics, optoelectronics, and automotive components segments are the fastest-growing segment, energy curing’s core business is in the production chain for laminated household furniture and flat panels, wood flooring, durable outdoor joinery items, and other laminates (including textiles). Another strong, and growing segment is in coatings for specific applications such as industrial floors and automotive and building repair work. Coils, cans, and piping, as well as automotive

The following article was the first of many to follow, which was distributed to international press relations to promote the UV/EB industry and to position RadTech Europe more in the various markets.

About duomediaFounded in 1999, duomedia’s mission is to create visibility, awareness and market share for its clients through a cross-media multichannel approach. We want to achieve this by engaging people across industries, cultures and technologies through strategic, creative, channel and event services. These include strategic consulting, media training, newsroom and media relations, media campaigns, social media, testimonials, newsletters, localization, and press/trade events. The agency’s main office is located in Brussels (Belgium), and supported by regional teams in Munich, Frankfurt, Milan, London, Paris, Barcelona and a U.S. partner in Boston.

refinishing are specialist areas that are today also attracting growing interest.

Graphic arts marketsTwo major graphic arts markets are also key users of energy curing: overprinted varnishes – a long-established application for a fast cure at the end of the print production process that is now enjoying considerable success in prod-uct packaging – and drying the printing inks themselves. The full range of printing technol-ogies is today employing energy curing of its inks: the high-volume reel-fed flexographic process; offset lithography, both sheet- and reel-fed; digital print, both on digital offset la-bel presses and in wide- and super-wide-for-mat digital print; and even the highly-durable but slow-to-dry thick ink layers of screen printing. Healthy growth in graphic applica-tions is the result of a combination of factors. Packaging innovations such as the shift from rigid to flexible materials; faster high-volume print without reduced print quality; brand owners’ requirements for just-in-time delivery; and the need to reduce overall packaging costs are the key drivers.

Showcase for market innovationRadTech Europe regularly holds industry-focused events, including its annual

Integrated communication strategy to support the growth of UV/EB curing technologies and markets

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 6 09-05-13 20:52

7RADTECH NEWS

www.radtech-europe.comwww.radtech-europe.com

The official event of

European Association for the promotion of UV&EB curing technology

UV/EB – Growing through Innovation

Conference & Exhibition October 15 – 17, 2013 in Basel | Switzerland

Europe’s premier meeting place for the UV/EB curing industry.

Visit www.european-coatings.com/radtech for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.for more information and regular updates.

The Conference and Exhibition will address the future of radiation curing, examine new and emerging trends and innovations, and take a close look at new applications of UV radiation curing.

Vincentz NetworkKristin Roubinek · Plathnerstr. 4c · 30175 Hannover · GermanyTel. +49 511 99 10-274 · Fax +49 51199 10-279 · [email protected]

Conference and Exhibition (this year taking place in Basel, Switzerland, October 15-17), which is open to all, including end users, as a showcase of achievements and an indication of future applications, as well as an outstanding networking platform. A recent conference innovation session highlighted several intriguing markets where there is already activity. Curing of membrane switches and circuit panels; inkjetted solar panels; automotive glass and windshield repairs; contact lenses; rapid product prototyping; medical disposables; dental repair work; and even cosmetic fingernail decoration are among the many ‘new’ markets for energy curing’s proven benefits.

Environment and sustainabilityEnvironmental concerns are becoming an important focus around the globe, and EU as well as worldwide healthy and safety legis-lation are driving product manufacturers to re-evaluate their production processes to make them more sustainable, and to make recycling more viable. The EB and UV curing processes do not contribute any undesirable elements to a product or to packaging – even food packaging. Their potential to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gases, as well as the well-documented reductions in emissions of

VOC (volatile organic compounds) and HAP (hazardous air pollutants), can contribute significantly to sustainable manufacturing.

A local/global balanced focusAs globalisation becomes a reality, while individual geographical regions and specific product markets require a localised response, the need to create a technological ‘umbrella’ is also today a factor. This is a key focus for RadTech Europe. Consumer health and safety and the needs of brand security, as well as a wider arena for developing knowledge, make it important to create an international interface and knowledge base, both horizontally and vertically, in the industries where we are active. We need to work within the local culture and manufacturing agenda, while applying the broad context of the technology changes happening all around the world.

The manufacturers of the products where our curing techniques are used have the same customers as we have, and their needs are just as important as those of our partner component manufacturers. That’s why, today, as well as our sister RadTech associations in North America, South America, China, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia, we believe it’s important to interact with other related

international and regional associations – for example, our friends in EUPIA, the European printing inks association, and CEFIC – the European chemical industry council.

A call to actionThe UV/EB curing platform is certainly a dynamic partner for today’s technology base across many manufacturing industries and many geographies. EMEA is today the largest overall market, (particularly the German-speaking countries) and RadTech Europe wants to maintain market growth and know-ledge through an extended membership base at all levels of the supply chain, from raw material manufacturer and equipment supplier to end-use manufacturer. This is my call to action. At a time when we are cautiously recovering from a major economic downturn, we can be ready to bring the benefits of UV and EB curing on to an even broader raft of application areas in a marketplace aligned to sustainability and the environment as well as to efficient, cost-effective manufacturing. In this respect, I believe we are offering the perfect cure.’

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 7 09-05-13 20:52


Header 2

RADnewsRADRADnewsnewsnewsSupplement

Industry and technical information from PRA

ContentsNewsround

Chemical majors 2Coatings companies 2News in brief 4

Feature surveyRaw materials 4Formulations 5Processes 6

Patent searchRaw materials 7Formulations 7Processes 8

RADnews supplement toRadTech News

Editors:Richard KennedyMartin Addicott

Publisher:PRA, 14 Castle Mews, High StreetHampton, Middlesex, TW12 2NP UKt: +44 (0)20 8487 0800f: +44 (0)20 8487 0801

www.pra-world.com

Richard Holman

A Pera Technology company

T he early months of 2013 will see a number of radcure technical projects, in which

I have had involvement, reach their conclusion. In their place, as the year progresses, new research ventures are scheduled to leave the starting blocks. Encouragingly, there appears to be little reduction in funding, state or private sector, potentially available to support radcure research, nor is there a shortage of interesting topics for investigation. For me therefore 2013 has begun, as all new years should, with optimism and opportunities for fresh starts.

There are parallels to be drawn with the optimism that can accompany each New Year with that which exists in the early days of any research project. The tedium of preparing and submitting the proposal and waiting for approval are in the past, the budgets have been negotiated and the team assembled. The first team meeting can present the opportunity to make acquaintance with new colleagues from within the radcure community or from another division of one’s own organisation. Possibly some participants will have worked together on previously completed ventures and will welcome this chance to reminisce on the subsequent progress.

At the kick-off meeting for a newly approved project the future should look very positive. All the possibilities for total success exist; there will be

no reports of failed approaches or of delays to the work schedules. Indeed one difficulty at an inaugural project meeting may be the need to kerb excessive enthusiasm, restraining desires to introduce objectives and approaches beyond those already specified in the proposal.

In time, of course, reality will set in. Inevitably there will be delays. Ideas will be tried that prove unsuccessful or, possibly of greater frustration, the results obtained will be inconclusive, demanding unscheduled repetitions with perhaps the need to rethink the methodology. Even the best controlled finance and manpower budgets may over, or under, run and thus adjustments will have to be negotiated. The commercial environment can change and with it the R & D priorities, for members of the consortium, may vary from those that originally attracted them to the work.

These are, however, challenges to be met in the more distant future. In my experience, it is good not to allow them to detract from the euphoria of starting a new commercial enterprise or commencing a new research programme.

Whether you will be beginning something new or carrying on as usual while waiting for new opportunities to arise, I wish you all a successful, prosperous and above all enjoyable year.

RadTech Europe Interview with Marc Roelands at the European Coatings Show 2013

At the European Coatings show 2013, RadTech Europe had the opportunity to interview Marc Roelands of DSM. Mr Roelands shared his views on UV curing technology in general, its impor-tance in relation to his company’s strategy and plans for the next years, as well as the recent opening of new facilities in Taiwan.

Opening the interview, Mr Roelands ex-plained that DSM and AGI had set up a joint venture in 2011 to strengthen DSM’s position in UV, which it considers to be one of the pillars for sustainable coating resins, an area that becomes more and more important.

Sustainability benefits of UVSustainability, Mr Roelands explained, is an umbrella term which includes a variety of characteristics, ranging from environmental, sourcing and/or performance perspective. For example, solvent less coatings help with the ever more stringent emission limits set in the VOC regulations, and durability of coatings help extend the lifecycle of the product. UV curable coatings, he noted, perform well for both.

Whilst UV systems might require upfront investments, they do reduce the total cost of ownership, by enhancing throughput speed, limiting the need for storage space and increasing efficiency.

All in all, UV curable resins are a perfect fit for the transition to sustainable coatings. One of the main goals for DSM is to help realize this transition and shape the sustainable coatings future.

Opening of new facilitiesThe first half of 2013 would be particularly exciting for the company, given the opening of its new facilities in Taiwan. This plant will have the capacity to produce a variety of UV-curable resins next to the existing plants of the company. At the time of the review, the site was already in full operation, producing standard products, as well as specialty monomers.

MarketsReflecting this are the high expected growth rates for UV products: 6 to 8 percent in the

next few years, whereas conventional coatings have a growth expectancy of 2 to 3 percent, like reported in various market reports. In the EU and US, he continued, the main end markets for the company traditionally are the graphic arts and coatings market. Typically, these consist of inks and overprint varnishes , wood and plastic coatings. For Asia, some of the main segments are electronics and optical displays.

Innovation agendaDSM’s company’s innovation agenda will firstly center on reducing the total cost of ownership of UV systems, with a view to further expand on UV’s strength in terms of durability. Secondly, aesthetical qualities of the products are to be further improved in terms of look and tactile qualities. Finally, research will be put into improved performance of the products, specifically tailored to the focal market segments of DSM as mentioned above.

Lifecycle AssessmentOne of the ways to further strengthen the sustainability characteristics of the products will be the increasing use of renewable raw materials. While some of DSM’s UV products now contain between 30 and 35% of renewable raw materials, this could increase to up to 70 to 75 % in the future. However, experience has shown that whilst the market value chain welcomes these changes, they are reluctant to pay more for them. Consequently, such improvements in sustainability should either have no impact on the cost of the products, or should go hand in hand with an increase in functional benefits.

Key issues for UVLooking ahead, Mr Roelands identified food compliance as one of the hottest topics over the last number of years, and he expected attention for food safety to continue in the near future, with a lot of work focused on low migration systems. Whilst DSM is a worldwide company, EU regulations are leading for food safety, as well as requirements from brand owners.

Role for associationIn closing, he noted that education of the industry is a typical role for RadTech Europe and other associations. Seminars, workshops and the development of educational material are valuable for this purpose, but he stressed that it will remain essential to keep in touch with the needs in the value chain.

In this light, he saw the restart of RadTech Europe’s Graphic Arts working group as a key initiative to identify and address concerns amongst stakeholders proactively. In his view, RadTech Europe, as a representative platform, can open doors and reach stakeholders that individual companies cannot. The association will have to move beyond technology promotion and its own membership, and make perceived problems discussable within the market value chain. In doing so, it can educate and create awareness, securing the continued growth of the technology.

Interested in an interview for our newsletter? Please contact the RadTech Europe Secretariat.

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 8 09-05-13 20:52

9RADTECH NEWS


Header 2

RADnewsRADRADnewsnewsnewsSupplement

Industry and technical information from PRA

ContentsNewsround

Chemical majors 2Coatings companies 2News in brief 4

Feature surveyRaw materials 4Formulations 5Processes 6

Patent searchRaw materials 7Formulations 7Processes 8

RADnews supplement toRadTech News

Editors:Richard KennedyMartin Addicott

Publisher:PRA, 14 Castle Mews, High StreetHampton, Middlesex, TW12 2NP UKt: +44 (0)20 8487 0800f: +44 (0)20 8487 0801

www.pra-world.com

Richard Holman

A Pera Technology company

T he early months of 2013 will see a number of radcure technical projects, in which

I have had involvement, reach their conclusion. In their place, as the year progresses, new research ventures are scheduled to leave the starting blocks. Encouragingly, there appears to be little reduction in funding, state or private sector, potentially available to support radcure research, nor is there a shortage of interesting topics for investigation. For me therefore 2013 has begun, as all new years should, with optimism and opportunities for fresh starts.

There are parallels to be drawn with the optimism that can accompany each New Year with that which exists in the early days of any research project. The tedium of preparing and submitting the proposal and waiting for approval are in the past, the budgets have been negotiated and the team assembled. The first team meeting can present the opportunity to make acquaintance with new colleagues from within the radcure community or from another division of one’s own organisation. Possibly some participants will have worked together on previously completed ventures and will welcome this chance to reminisce on the subsequent progress.

At the kick-off meeting for a newly approved project the future should look very positive. All the possibilities for total success exist; there will be

no reports of failed approaches or of delays to the work schedules. Indeed one difficulty at an inaugural project meeting may be the need to kerb excessive enthusiasm, restraining desires to introduce objectives and approaches beyond those already specified in the proposal.

In time, of course, reality will set in. Inevitably there will be delays. Ideas will be tried that prove unsuccessful or, possibly of greater frustration, the results obtained will be inconclusive, demanding unscheduled repetitions with perhaps the need to rethink the methodology. Even the best controlled finance and manpower budgets may over, or under, run and thus adjustments will have to be negotiated. The commercial environment can change and with it the R & D priorities, for members of the consortium, may vary from those that originally attracted them to the work.

These are, however, challenges to be met in the more distant future. In my experience, it is good not to allow them to detract from the euphoria of starting a new commercial enterprise or commencing a new research programme.

Whether you will be beginning something new or carrying on as usual while waiting for new opportunities to arise, I wish you all a successful, prosperous and above all enjoyable year.

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 9 09-05-13 20:52

RADnews supplement to RadTech News April 2013

2 Newsround

NewsroundChemical majorsEuropean automotive and decorative paints a drag at Arkema

Europe’s struggling automotive market and weak demand for decorative paints left Arkema’s industrial chemicals division essentially flat for the third quarter, as sales edged down by €10 million to €1.05 billion and profit (EBITDA) came in at €176 million, up €1 million on the period a year ago.

However, the French chemicals major reported “good performance” in its coatings solutions business segment, with sales of €573 million and EBITDA of €78 million for the quarter and €1.75 billion/€234 million for the nine months to end-September. Overall, Arkema’s third quarter sales were up 1.2% to €1.61 billion, though net profit gained 6.4% to €116 million.

Describing the group’s EBITDA margin of nearly 17% as sitting at “the high end of the industry,” chief executive Thierry Le Hénaff said: “The group achieved a steady high performance in a less favourable economic environment than last year.”

The fourth quarter, he added, will reflect the traditional year-end seasonality. “Meanwhile, the soft demand observed in certain market segments, the challenging situation of the European economy, and the volatility of raw materials are likely to continue during the 4th quarter and to result in the cautious management by customers of their inventories at year-end.”Arkema press release, 8 November 2012

Dow adapts to “slow growth world”

Dow Chemical revealed it has cancelled nearly 40 projects as well as closed a number of its plants this year in order to drive down costs, particularly in Europe. Some project cancellations and plant closures announced this year have cost Dow $2.5 billion, an outlay which it expects will save it $1 billion in 2013 and impact EBITDA by $500 million.

Speaking to investors, chief executive Andrew Liveris said the company was “taking swift and decisive actions” to protect its “growth path and drive near-term value” in what he described as a “slow-growth

world”. Actions include a more simplified organisation and “concentrating only on those things that increase cash flow” and “improve return on capital”.Dow Chemical, 3 December 2012

Clariant sells emulsions business to SK Capital

Clariant has agreed to sell its emulsions business along with its textile chemicals and paper specialities to SK Capital for around CHF 502 million (€415m/$541m). The sale, expected to conclude by the end of the second quarter subject to regulatory approvals, includes CHF 460 million in cash, equivalent to 6.3 times full-year EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) for the businesses.

The three businesses, which combined employ around 3,000 people, around 14% of Clariant’s total workforce, in 35 countries, are expected to have generated sales of CHF 1.2 billion in 2012 or 15% of total group sales.Clariant, 27 December 2012

Tronox slips to third quarter loss as TiO2 sales volumes fall

Volume sales of titanium dioxide dropped by almost half in Europe as a result of recession and austerity measures, TiO

2

producer Tronox said when delivering its third quarter results. Across regions, the company noted a 32% year-on-year decline in its pigment volume, with a particular loss of business from Asia.

The decline in business with Asia was expected because of the Chinese government’s decision to slow the economy down generally and particularly in housing construction. This has led to Chinese TiO

2

production being exported into Asia-Pacific and Europe rather than being used up satisfying domestic demand.

Another factor holding down volumes has been the build-up of inventory by coatings and plastics customers in the third quarter of 2011 as they faced supply shortages and quarterly price increases. These customer stockpiles appear to have reduced to more normal levels, so going forward should not affect future purchases, says Tronox chief executive Tom Casey. He also believes that coatings producers have probably done all they can in terms of substituting

or mixing lower-cost material with TiO2 in

their formulations before products become unacceptably degraded.Tronox, 12 November 2012

Coatings CompaniesAkzoNobel sells North American Decorative Paints business to PPG for $1bn

AkzoNobel has divested its North American Decorative Paints business to PPG Industries for $1.05 billion. In 2011, the business had revenues of $1.5 billion, around 7% of Akzo’s total revenue.

Akzo says it made the decision following a successful four year turnaround, adding that it has made the strategic choice to focus its Decorative Paints Business Area in key markets in Europe and its strong positions in high growth regions.

The company will continue to have a strong presence in North America through its Performance Coatings and Speciality Chemicals businesses, which in 2011 had combined revenues of over $2.7 billion with 5,000 employees. Cash proceeds of approximately $875 million will be used to support the company’s strategy, including investment for organic growth and debt reduction. ”Over the past four years, the team has done a great job in turning the North American Decorative Paints business around,” said Akzo’s chief executive Ton Büchner. “We are convinced that Decorative Paints can get better returns from our leading positions in Europe and high growth markets. I am pleased that we have found a respected company to take over the business. This agreement is a good outcome for all stakeholders.”

Charles Bunch, PPG’s chairman and chief executive, said the acquisition was “an attractive way to significantly increase our scale in the North American paint market” and “continues the accelerated pace of our business portfolio transformation through further expansion of our coatings businesses”.AkzoNobel, 14 December 2012

Heidelberger acquires OFS Group in Switzerland

German print firm Heidelberger Druckmaschinen has expanded its consumables business in Switzerland by taking over the Pfaffnau-based OFS Group (OFS).

With a workforce of around 25, OFS


4 Feature Survey

Feature surveyA review of technical, commercial and academic papers. Items not directly referring to radiation curing, but with potential applications here, may appear under a Miscellaneous section at the end of this feature.

Titles of papers are reproduced exactly, including the original spelling, to aid in searching for the original papers.

Raw materialsInitiators based on benzaldoximes: Bimolecular and covalently bound systems

Type II photoinitiator systems (eg benzophenone and a tertiary amine) are commonly used for free radical photopolymerisations. The efficiency of the photochemical process depends on the rate of electron and proton transfer; the reactivity of the α-amino alkyl radical towards reactive double bonds; and quenching by side reactions. The efficiency of the Type II photoinitiator systems is diminished by back electron transfer, the solvent cage effect and limited diffusion of the reactive species in highly viscous or waterborne formulations.

N-Phenylglycines have been proposed as valuable co-initiators for benzophenone, because decarboxylation produces sufficient carbon dioxide to displace oxygen from the curing formulation. Oxime esters may also produce carbon dioxide after cleavage of the N–O bond and decarboxylation of the acyloxy radical.

This paper reports a study of the initiation mechanism for benzaldoxime esters in combination with benzophenone sensitisers, which have shown high photoreactivity in photo-DSC experiments, using laser flash photolysis, photo-CIDNP and EPR experiments.

It was shown that radical initiation occurs via triplet energy transfer from the sensitiser, followed by cleavage of the oxime N–O bond. The iminyl radical was not thought to be particularly reactive as an initiating radical. The principal initiating radical is a carbon-centred radical formed by the decarboxylation of the carboxylate radical.M Griesser, A Rosspeintner, C Dworak, M Höfer, G Grabner, R Liska, G Gescheidt, Macromolecules 2012, 45(21), 8648-8657

Trifunctional photoinitiators based on a triazine skeleton for visible light source and UV LED induced polymerizations

The development of multifunctional photoinitiators has been driven by the need to reduce migratable material and reduce odour from UV cured coatings and this paper briefly reviews some of the developments in this field. In recent years the authors have been leading the development of visible or near-UV photoinitiator systems for use with soft light sources (such as LED light sources). This paper focuses on the development of di- or tri-functional photoinitiators based on a triazine scaffold for the cationic polymerisation of epoxides and vinyl ethers and the free radical polymerisation of acrylates using very soft irradiation conditions.

Trifunctional photoinitiators (tPIs) comprising anthracenes, pyrenes and benzophenones attached to a triazine core were synthesised by reacting the aminoaromatic species with cyanuric chloride in the presence of acetone and sodium bicarbonate in an autoclave under

News in brief ¾ Germany’s Altana group is

acquiring US speciality wax additives firm Chemical Corporation of America (ChemCor). The family-owned business, which has sales of around $17 million, has a production site in Chester, New York, which makes water-based wax products and specialty additives for a wide range of industries including floor finishes, exterior paint and deck stains, graphic arts coatings and inks. It will be integrated into Altana’s BYK USA business unit based in Wallingford, Connecticut.

¾ Heraeus Noblelight, business group of the German based precious metal and technology group Heraeus, is acquiring the Fusion UV business group, headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, from British manufacturer Spectris.

¾ BASF is investing €50 million in a new research building in Ludwigshafen, where material physicists and formulators will create the materials of the future. Around 200 people are expected to be employed in the new six-story building when ready in the second half of 2015.

¾ J.W. Ostendorf (JWO) has acquired all the shares of French paint producer Renaulac, giving it control of one of France’s best known Do-It-Yourself and professional premium brands. German-based, family owned JWO is already among the ten largest decorative paint manufacturers in the world.

¾ Japanese printing inks company DIC Corp. has acquired Indonesian pigments manufacturer Monokem as a way of spreading its geographical supply base as well as addressing rising manufacturing costs in China. Monokem’s 79,000m2 plant located in an industrial part of Karawang, roughly 60 kilometres east of Jakarta, manufactures phthalocyanine pigments and its principal raw material, phthalcyanine crude, with more than 300 employees. DIC says Monokem has a “stellar global reputation” and has enjoyed a long-standing business relationship with DIC.

NR

Ar

OO

R1

hv

NR

ArO

O

R1

-CO2

NR

ArR1

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 10 09-05-13 20:52

Newsround


3

is a supplier of prepress systems and consumables in Switzerland, and has been active in the market for over 40 years. The main focus of the company has been on the sale of platesetters in conjunction with the corresponding printing plates from Kodak for the sheetfed offset and newspaper market. As a result of this takeover, Heidelberg Schweiz becomes the largest dealer in consumables in the graphics industry.

Heidelberg plans to pool all of its Swiss consumables activities at the OFS’s former headquarters in Pfaffnau.Heidelberg, 30 October 2012

Sales decline at Japan’s DIC on global slowdown

Japanese inks manufacturer DIC reported a 7.7% fall in sales and an 8.7% decline in net income during the 2012 fiscal first-half. The company blamed the global economic slowdown, provoked by the European sovereign debt crisis, and flagging economic growth in Asia for lowering domestic and overseas demand. The appreciation of the yen was also a factor.

Net income in the six months to end-September declined to ¥11.4 billion on sales of ¥349.8 billion. This compares with income of ¥12.5 billion and sales of ¥378.9 billion in the first half of fiscal 2011.

Half-year sales of printing inks and supplies were flat in local currencies but down 5.8% in yen at ¥177.3 billion. DIC’s other segments, which include neo-graphic arts materials, synthetic resins, chemical materials and other, also saw sales decline by 3%, 8% 10% and 37% respectively.

In DIC’s domestic market in Japan, sales of printing inks and supplies slipped 3.2% in the half-year to ¥43.8 billion due to lower sales of gravure inks and offset inks. Sales of news inks, however, were higher than a year ago thanks to the introduction of new colours. Rationalisation measures helped to improve year-over-year operating income to ¥2.9 billion.

In North America, robust sales of packaging inks countered falling sales of publishing inks and news inks. In Europe, sales of packaging inks held up and were level with the first six months of last fiscal year. However, sales of publishing and news inks fell. In Central and South America, sales were on a par with the corresponding period a year ago due to a mainstay of packaging inks. As a reporting region, half-year sales for North America and Europe combined were 1.3% lower than the year ago period, excluding currency conversions, at ¥107.8

billion. Operating income was up 8% in local currencies but declined 16% once converted into Yen to ¥1.5 billion.

Falling sales to China suppressed an otherwise growing Asia and Oceania region. DIC said sales of gravure inks and news inks to Southeast Asia were healthy, while demand for offset inks fell. India enjoyed robust sales in all categories, but particularly in gravure inks. And the Oceania area benefitted from DIC’s acquisition of New Zealand’s Pacific Inks. Half-year operating income for the Asia and Oceania reporting region rose nearly 15% year-on-year to ¥2.5 billion on flat sales of ¥30.2 billion.DIC, 7 November 2012

HB Fuller buys micro electronics firm Engent

HB Fuller, the US adhesives maker, has acquired a $10 million-turnover microelectronics manufacturer in the hope of boosting its expertise in electronics adhesives.

Engent, a Georgia-based provider of next generation microelectronics development, testing and manufacturing services, is active at all stages of the electronic miniaturisation process and serves key micro-electronic markets in the military, medical and industrial sectors.

“With this acquisition, we add advanced application technology, people and process knowledge that will enhance our growing business in electronics,” said Fuller chief executive, Jim Owens. “Within this market, there is a diverse range of technologies being produced today and under development for production tomorrow. We plan to participate fully in these opportunities in this dynamic segment.”

Fuller plans to leverage its adhesive development capabilities, investment resources and global reach with the electronics expertise of Engent.

Fuller’s capabilities were significantly strengthened when in March it completed the $394 million acquisition of the industrial adhesives business unit of Swiss-based Forbo Group, which had revenue of approximately $580 million in its fiscal year ending 31 December 2011 with 17 manufacturing facilities in 10 countries.

Since then it has announced a restructuring including factory closures in North America and Europe and says it expects to make savings of $50 million/year through integration of the former Forbo businesses.H B Fuller, 10 September 2012

Henkel Adhesives sees growth in North America as sales dip in Europe

Lower sales of adhesives in Europe in the third quarter contrasted with a “solid increase” in North America at Henkel’s adhesives technologies business, while emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe continued their positive momentum.

Even though overall volume was down compared to last year, sales at the division for July to end-September rose 6.6% to €2.15 billion, while operating earnings (EBIT) rose 29.5% to €329 million, as the German consumer group ditched less profitable adhesives lines, cut costs and improved efficiency. The quarter includes the acquisition of Cytec’s pressure sensitive adhesives.

For the nine months from January to end-September, sales rose to €6.25 billion compared to €5.87 billion for the same period last year. Nine month operating earnings improved by 22% to €939 million.Henkel, 16 November 2012

Developing Skills & Knowledge in Surface Coatings Technology

PRA Training Course

Radiation Curing

Technology21 - 23 May 2013

Designed for both newcomers and more experienced personnel, from companies involved in formulation, supplying raw materials, equipment manufacture and end use.

An intensive course that provides a firm foundation in the chemistry, principles and applications of ultraviolet and electron beam technologies.

Visit our website for details and registration.

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304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 11 09-05-13 20:52


4 Feature Survey

Feature surveyA review of technical, commercial and academic papers. Items not directly referring to radiation curing, but with potential applications here, may appear under a Miscellaneous section at the end of this feature.

Titles of papers are reproduced exactly, including the original spelling, to aid in searching for the original papers.

Raw materialsInitiators based on benzaldoximes: Bimolecular and covalently bound systems

Type II photoinitiator systems (eg benzophenone and a tertiary amine) are commonly used for free radical photopolymerisations. The efficiency of the photochemical process depends on the rate of electron and proton transfer; the reactivity of the α-amino alkyl radical towards reactive double bonds; and quenching by side reactions. The efficiency of the Type II photoinitiator systems is diminished by back electron transfer, the solvent cage effect and limited diffusion of the reactive species in highly viscous or waterborne formulations.

N-Phenylglycines have been proposed as valuable co-initiators for benzophenone, because decarboxylation produces sufficient carbon dioxide to displace oxygen from the curing formulation. Oxime esters may also produce carbon dioxide after cleavage of the N–O bond and decarboxylation of the acyloxy radical.

This paper reports a study of the initiation mechanism for benzaldoxime esters in combination with benzophenone sensitisers, which have shown high photoreactivity in photo-DSC experiments, using laser flash photolysis, photo-CIDNP and EPR experiments.

It was shown that radical initiation occurs via triplet energy transfer from the sensitiser, followed by cleavage of the oxime N–O bond. The iminyl radical was not thought to be particularly reactive as an initiating radical. The principal initiating radical is a carbon-centred radical formed by the decarboxylation of the carboxylate radical.M Griesser, A Rosspeintner, C Dworak, M Höfer, G Grabner, R Liska, G Gescheidt, Macromolecules 2012, 45(21), 8648-8657

Trifunctional photoinitiators based on a triazine skeleton for visible light source and UV LED induced polymerizations

The development of multifunctional photoinitiators has been driven by the need to reduce migratable material and reduce odour from UV cured coatings and this paper briefly reviews some of the developments in this field. In recent years the authors have been leading the development of visible or near-UV photoinitiator systems for use with soft light sources (such as LED light sources). This paper focuses on the development of di- or tri-functional photoinitiators based on a triazine scaffold for the cationic polymerisation of epoxides and vinyl ethers and the free radical polymerisation of acrylates using very soft irradiation conditions.

Trifunctional photoinitiators (tPIs) comprising anthracenes, pyrenes and benzophenones attached to a triazine core were synthesised by reacting the aminoaromatic species with cyanuric chloride in the presence of acetone and sodium bicarbonate in an autoclave under

News in brief ¾ Germany’s Altana group is

acquiring US speciality wax additives firm Chemical Corporation of America (ChemCor). The family-owned business, which has sales of around $17 million, has a production site in Chester, New York, which makes water-based wax products and specialty additives for a wide range of industries including floor finishes, exterior paint and deck stains, graphic arts coatings and inks. It will be integrated into Altana’s BYK USA business unit based in Wallingford, Connecticut.

¾ Heraeus Noblelight, business group of the German based precious metal and technology group Heraeus, is acquiring the Fusion UV business group, headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, from British manufacturer Spectris.

¾ BASF is investing €50 million in a new research building in Ludwigshafen, where material physicists and formulators will create the materials of the future. Around 200 people are expected to be employed in the new six-story building when ready in the second half of 2015.

¾ J.W. Ostendorf (JWO) has acquired all the shares of French paint producer Renaulac, giving it control of one of France’s best known Do-It-Yourself and professional premium brands. German-based, family owned JWO is already among the ten largest decorative paint manufacturers in the world.

¾ Japanese printing inks company DIC Corp. has acquired Indonesian pigments manufacturer Monokem as a way of spreading its geographical supply base as well as addressing rising manufacturing costs in China. Monokem’s 79,000m2 plant located in an industrial part of Karawang, roughly 60 kilometres east of Jakarta, manufactures phthalocyanine pigments and its principal raw material, phthalcyanine crude, with more than 300 employees. DIC says Monokem has a “stellar global reputation” and has enjoyed a long-standing business relationship with DIC.

NR

Ar

OO

R1

hv

NR

ArO

O

R1

-CO2

NR

ArR1

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 12 09-05-13 20:52


5Feature Survey

autogenous pressure. The strong molecular orbital coupling between the aromatic moiety and the triazine moiety leads to improved light absorption properties. It was shown that the 3-component tPI/silane/iodonium salt system for free radical and cationic curing and the 2-component tPI/amine system for free radical curing were more efficient than the reference systems used. Some of these compounds could sensitise the decomposition of thianthrenium salts, which may lead to their use with sulphonium salts.M-A Tehfe, F Dumur, B Graff, P Morlet-Savary, J-P Fouassier, D Gigmes, J Lalevée, Macromolecules 2012, 45(21), 8639-8647

Synthesis and characterisation of UV-curable waterborne polyurethane acrylate possessing perfluorooctanoate side-chains

There have been a number of recently published studies, referenced here, describing the synthesis and characterisation of waterborne PUs containing fluoro-functional groupings. Such polymers have been shown to produce coatings exhibiting good water and oil resistance, thermal stability and inherently low surface free energy. There have, however, been few reports of the preparation of UV curing, waterborne fluorinated PUs derived via condensation polymerisation. In this article a three-stage process for the preparation of such polymer dispersions is described. Initially a PU prepolymer was prepared by the reaction of isophorone diisocyanate, poly(propylene glycol) and dimethylol propionic acid. A pre-synthesised perfluorooctanoate glycerol (formula shown) was added to the heated prepolymer to effect chain extension via condensation polymerisation.

CF3(CF

2)

6CO

2CH

2CH(OH)CH

2OH

The residual chain-terminated NCO groups were then reacted with pentaerythritol triacrylate to end-cap the PU. Finally the PU was neutralised with triethylamine prior to dispersion in water. In a series of experiments

the fluorine content in the formed hard segment of the PU was varied and its influence on the UV curing process and derivative coating properties investigated.

A series of polymer dispersions with mean particle diameters in the region 100-125 nm were prepared with relatively narrow size distributions. Rate of UV curing of applied coatings was observed to slightly decrease with increasing fluorine content. The surface free energy of coatings significantly increased with fluorine content (contact angle measurements). SEM examination showed degree of phase separation between the hard and soft phases to be influenced by fluorine content with good phase mixing being achieved when the coatings were annealed.T Liu, X Pan, Y Wu, T Zhang, Z Zheng, X Ding, Y Peng, Journal of Polymer Research 2012, 19(2), 9741

FormulationsHybrid dual-cure polymer networks via sequential thiol-ene photopolymerisation and thermal ring-opening polymerization of benzoxazines

Thiol-ene networks are readily prepared by the photopolymerisation of multifunctional thiols and alkenes (practically any alkene will participate in the reaction). The photopolymerisation has a number of attractive features including high gel-point monomer conversions, low shrinkage, low susceptibility to oxygen inhibition and homogeneity in mechanical properties. However, the inherent flexibility of the thioether linkages means these materials have a low glass transition temperature, often at or below room temperature. Therefore applications requiring high Tg materials are inaccessible via thiol-ene polymerisations.

This paper describes work combining thiol-ene and polybenzoxazine technologies as a means to develop hybrid, dual-cure networks.

The thiol-ene/benzoxazine dual cure system contains allyl-functionalised bis-benzoxazine monomer dissolved in THF, DMPA initiator and a stoichiometric amount of pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP). After removing the small amount of THF under a vacuum, the films were first exposed to UV light to give a yellow transparent tack-free film and the films were then cured step-wise at 100°C, 120°C and 140°C for 1 hour; 160°C and 180°C for 2 hours; and 200°C and 220°C for 1 hour in an

air-circulating oven.It was shown using real-time IR

spectroscopy that the thiol-ene reaction was less than quantitative and that nucleophilic ring-opening of the benzoxazine ring competes with the free radical thiol-ene reaction, and consequently a heterogeneous network is formed after the thermal ring-opening polymerisation. Nevertheless, thermomechanical analysis shows that the network formed has a high glass transition temperature (150°C), one of the highest observed Tgs reported for a thiol-ene-based material.J Narayanan, M J Jungman, D L Patton, Reactive & Functional Polymers 2012, 72(11), 799-806

Photocurable transparent cycloaliphatic epoxy hybrid materials crosslinked by oxetane

Although cationic photopolymerisation of epoxides has a number of advantages over free radical acrylate polymerisation, including low sensitivity to oxygen and ‘living’ character, it is hardly used industrially, in part because there are few raw materials commercially available, but probably mainly because the polymerisation process is slow. Oxetanes also have high ring strain and the heterocyclic oxygen is more basic than the epoxide oxygen. Consequently oxetanes have been included in epoxide formulations to speed up cure. However, despite this higher reactivity, oxetanes are largely added to epoxide formulations because of their longer induction period in the early stages of the polymerisation process. The authors have previously reported work on organic-inorganic hybrid materials formed from the cationic photopolymerisation of sol-gel-derived cycloaliphatic epoxy oligosiloxane (CAEO) resins, which find use in a number of applications for their high transparency, photopatternability and gas barrier properties, but again the rate of photopolymerisation is relatively slow. This paper reports the photopolymerisation behaviour (especially speed) of CAEO resins with difunctional oxetane monomer (3-ethyl-3-{[(3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy]methyl}oxetanes (DOX)).

A series of formulations containing different ratios of CAEO and DOX were prepared

Ar = Photoabsorbing unitseg benzophenone, anthracene

N

N N

N N

N

Ar

Ar

Ar

HH

H

O

O

O

DOX


7Patent Search

Patent searchDates quoted are filing dates; some patents also have earlier priority dates.

Patents not explicitly referring to radiation curing may appear in a Miscellaneous section at the end.

European patents are available in English unless otherwise stated.

Percentages are by weight.

PI = photoinitiator;

MW = molecular weight.

English language abstracts and original texts of most patents can be obtained free of charge from http://ep.espacenet.com while for US patents only, www.uspto.gov usually offers faster access.

Raw materials

Radiation curing, highly functional polyurethane (meth)acrylateUS 2012 0010357, March 2010, BASF SE, Germany

One disadvantage in the manufacture of high functionality (meth)acrylates is their tendency to crosslink, which increases their viscosity and lowers the functionality in subsequent reactions. This application describes the manufacture of high functionality polyurethane (meth)acrylates which, because of their defined construction, can combine high reactivity, low viscosity and/or good solubility.

The highly branched, or hyperbranched, polyurethane (meth)acrylate (U) is prepared by the following steps.

Preparation of an adduct (A) that comprises one or more isocyanate groups and comprises at least one isocyanate reactive group by reaction of:

(a1) a diisocyanate; and/or

(a2) a polyisocyanate; with

(b1) at least one compound having at least three isocyanate- reactive groups; and/or

(b2) at least one compound having two isocyanate-reactive groups.

At least one of the components, (a) or (b), containing functional groups whose reactivity toward the other functional groups of the other component, is different, and the reaction ratio being selected such that, on average, the adduct (A) comprises at least one isocyanate reactive group and one or

more isocyanate groups.Optionally, intermolecular addition

reaction of the adduct (A) from (i) to give a polyadduct (P).

At least one compound is included, preferably during step (1) which contains at least one radiation curable group which is inert towards the reactants of step (1).

The prepared polyurethane (meth)-acrylates find uses in paints, coverings, coating materials or moulding compounds and dental compositions.

Cyclic carbamates compounds useful in energy curable compositionsUS 2012 0015159, March 2010, Sun Chemical BV, GB

Novel cyclic carbamate-functional compounds, made by the reaction of a cyclic carbamate compound containing a (meth)acrylate functional group, such as N-(2-acryloyloxyethyl)oxazolidine, with aliphatic amine materials combat oxygen inhibition by an oxygen scavenging rather than a hydrogen abstraction process. This effect is particularly effective with the more reactive cleavage type initiators, such as the phosphine oxides. Because of this, it is possible to achieve enhanced cure speed and reduced oxygen inhibition without using hydrogen abstraction photoinitiators in the formulation.

One cyclic carbamate is described as a 5 to 7 membered cyclic carbamate ring system linked via an alkylene or polyether group to a 3-aminopropionate or 3-amino-2-methylpropionate group. Inclusion of one or more acrylate groups in such a compound

allows a free radical reaction that incorporates the cyclic carbamate into the cured film and renders it non-migrateable, which is a particular advantage in formulations used for food packaging.

Polyvinylamide polymers containing polymerisable functionalitiesUS 2011 0245409, June 2011, ISP Investments Inc, USA

Crosslinking agents, such as melamines, formaldehydes, polyfunctional silanes, zirconates, borates, polyfunctional acids and amines are often used in many applications where crosslinked polymers are required. Some polymers have been developed which do not require the addition of a crosslinking agent, but rely on covalent bonds being formed between itself and other functional materials. Many of these polymers employ glycidyl or amine functionalities. This polymer is described as comprising an N-vinyl amide monomer and a dual functional monomer. If the dual functional monomer is a glycidyl acrylate, a third polymerisable monomer is incorporated. The N-vinyl amide monomer refers to monomers such as N-vinyl caprolactam and N-vinyl formamide. The dual functional monomer has a structure

where Q is an oxirane, oxetane, aziridine, oxazaline or benzoxazine; E is a polymerisable functionality containing a carbon-carbon double bond and R is an aliphatic and/or aromatic moiety with or without a heteroatom.

Polymers created by the method described can be ionic, non-ionic or cationic. Compositions containing the polymer may be curable by UV, EB or gamma irradiation and can be utilised in formulating inks, flocculation agents, coatings, hydrophilic enhancement additives for membranes, non-migratory anti-static agents and rheology modifiers.

Formulations

One part dual curing clear coating composition acrylic modified acrylate for carsUS 2011 0281037, November 2011, PPG Industries Korea Inc, Korea

A dual cure coating is described that is applied to automotive parts, comprising an

OO

REQ-R-E eg.

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 13 09-05-13 20:52


6 Feature Survey

efficient photoinitiator, even 0.1-0.3 wt% of the photoinitiator gave a peel adhesion maximum and a cohesion of 90 N. Increased concentrations led to decreases in tack and peel adhesion, but increased shear strength.Z Czech, A Kowalczyk, J Kabatc, J Świderska, European Polymer Journal 2012, 48(8), 1446-1454

ProcessesA new approach to network heterogeneity: Polymerization induced phase separation in photo-initiated, free-radical methacrylic systems

Radiation curable formulations based on dimethacrylates are used for dental applications, because cure occurs at ambient temperature and the glassy, densely crosslinked networks formed can withstand the oral environment and have good biocompatibility. However, these systems do suffer shrinkage and the internal stresses resulting from the polymerisation process (which in dental composites can lead to internal defects and poor bonding, causing staining and secondary caries formation).

This paper’s introduction overviews the mechanisms of phase separation and mentions that reported methods of introducing phase separation, ie thermally initiated polymerisation-induced phase separation and orthogonal dual-cure systems for forming interpenetrating networks are not appropriate for dental and other biomaterials.

In this work, the authors investigated polymerisation-induced phase separation in a purely photoinitiated system, by adding a non-reactive prepolymer (ie poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl methacrylate)) to a bulk homopolymers matrix (based on triethylene glycol dimethacrylate).

The shrinkage control mechanism proposed for thermoplastic modifiers involves connectivity (either chemical or physical) between two phases developed at different rates. The later development of the second phase can lead to nano or microscale cavitation at the interface or within the primary phase and a reduction in shrinkage. The linkages between the primary and secondary phases in this TEGDMA/prepolymer system are due to TEGDMA present in both phases and chain entanglements. Poly(butyl methacrylate) probably has least effect on shrinkage since it has rubbery character and least ability to

with 2 wt% initiator (triarylsulphonium hexafluoroantimonate), irradiated with a 80 mW/cm2 mercury lamp for 10 minutes and then thermally cured at 150°C for 2 hours. The photosensitivity of each formulation was characterised using photo-DSC and the final films were assessed using DMA and a room temperature mechanical bending test.

It was shown that inclusion of oxetane improved the rate of photopolymerisation, both due to increased mobility of the epoxide groups (because addition of oxetane significantly reduced the viscosity of the formulations) and the higher basicity of the oxetane oxygen. The exothermic energy recorded in the photo-DSC experiments was much higher for the CAEO/DOX formulations than for CAEO resin alone. The hybrid films also had higher crosslink density, which resulted in improved mechanical/electrical properties.S Yang, J Jin, S-Y Kwak, B-S Bae, Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2012, 126(S2), E380-E386

Photoreactive UV-crosslinkable solvent-free acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives containing copolymerizable photoinitiators based on benzophenones

Acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were first introduced about 50 years ago and have successfully applied in many fields. Approximately 40% of PSAs are acrylic, of which at most 10% are photoreactive solvent-free acrylic systems. UV curable PSAs have a number of attractive benefits. The ratio of peel adhesion to shear strength can be varied to some degree by controlling the UV energy applied (the films become more cohesive with increased radiant energy, while adhesion and tack decrease).

This paper describes a series of experiments to investigate the influence of selected unsaturated type II photoinitiators on the properties of acrylic hotmelt PSAs. The acrylic polymers were prepared in ethyl acetate by polymerising 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (65 wt%), methyl acrylate (30 wt%) and acrylic acid (5 wt%) with a copolymerisable benzophenone photoinitiator (0.05-0.1 wt% of 4-acryloyloxybenzophenone, 4-acryloyloxyethoxybenzophenone, 4-acryloyloxybutoxybenzophenone and 4-acryloyloxyhexoxybenzophenone) using AIBN initiator.

The PSAs were coated on polyester film and cured. The films obtained were assessed in terms of tack, peel, shear strength and shrinkage. It was found that 4-acryloyloxybenzophenone was the most

distort the adjacent phase structure.C R Szczepanski, C S Pfeifer, J W Stansbury, Polymer 2012, 53(21), 4694-4701

In-situ graphene oxide reduction during UV photopolymerisation of graphene oxide/acrylic resins mixture

There is huge interest in the use of graphene in nanocomposites. The properties of these nanocomposites seem to depend on the degree of exfoliation of the graphene sheets, but dispersion of graphene is difficult. This problem has been addressed principally by using graphene oxide, which is a more hydrophilic material and more readily exfoliated; however, the material now shows insulating properties due to the disrupted sp2 structure. Various methods of reducing the graphene oxide are mentioned in the literature including photochemical approaches.

This paper describes the reduction of graphene oxide oxygen functionality to a graphene basal plane by the radicals generated during the photopolymerisation of acrylate monomer composition with photoinitiator. Graphene-acrylic composites were prepared by first dispersing graphene oxide in water and adding PEGDA in order to produce 1-4 wt% graphene-PEGDA compositions (and 4 wt% 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)ketone photoinitiator). The coatings were applied to glass slides or silicon wafers and UV-cured.

It was shown that after 5 minutes UV exposure the carbon sp2 component of the graphene oxide increased from 50 to 70% of the C signal (using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and the oxygenated species reduced by about 50%. The UV curing of PEGDA was unaffected by the presence of the graphene oxide or by the reduction of graphene oxide, giving rise to a conductive graphene/polymer composite.P Fabbri, L Valentini, S Bittolo Bon, D Foix, L Pasquali, M Montecchi, M Sangermano, Polymer 2012, 53(26), 6039-6044

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304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 14 09-05-13 20:52


7Patent Search

Patent searchDates quoted are filing dates; some patents also have earlier priority dates.

Patents not explicitly referring to radiation curing may appear in a Miscellaneous section at the end.

European patents are available in English unless otherwise stated.

Percentages are by weight.

PI = photoinitiator;

MW = molecular weight.

English language abstracts and original texts of most patents can be obtained free of charge from http://ep.espacenet.com while for US patents only, www.uspto.gov usually offers faster access.

Raw materials

Radiation curing, highly functional polyurethane (meth)acrylateUS 2012 0010357, March 2010, BASF SE, Germany

One disadvantage in the manufacture of high functionality (meth)acrylates is their tendency to crosslink, which increases their viscosity and lowers the functionality in subsequent reactions. This application describes the manufacture of high functionality polyurethane (meth)acrylates which, because of their defined construction, can combine high reactivity, low viscosity and/or good solubility.

The highly branched, or hyperbranched, polyurethane (meth)acrylate (U) is prepared by the following steps.

Preparation of an adduct (A) that comprises one or more isocyanate groups and comprises at least one isocyanate reactive group by reaction of:

(a1) a diisocyanate; and/or

(a2) a polyisocyanate; with

(b1) at least one compound having at least three isocyanate- reactive groups; and/or

(b2) at least one compound having two isocyanate-reactive groups.

At least one of the components, (a) or (b), containing functional groups whose reactivity toward the other functional groups of the other component, is different, and the reaction ratio being selected such that, on average, the adduct (A) comprises at least one isocyanate reactive group and one or

more isocyanate groups.Optionally, intermolecular addition

reaction of the adduct (A) from (i) to give a polyadduct (P).

At least one compound is included, preferably during step (1) which contains at least one radiation curable group which is inert towards the reactants of step (1).

The prepared polyurethane (meth)-acrylates find uses in paints, coverings, coating materials or moulding compounds and dental compositions.

Cyclic carbamates compounds useful in energy curable compositionsUS 2012 0015159, March 2010, Sun Chemical BV, GB

Novel cyclic carbamate-functional compounds, made by the reaction of a cyclic carbamate compound containing a (meth)acrylate functional group, such as N-(2-acryloyloxyethyl)oxazolidine, with aliphatic amine materials combat oxygen inhibition by an oxygen scavenging rather than a hydrogen abstraction process. This effect is particularly effective with the more reactive cleavage type initiators, such as the phosphine oxides. Because of this, it is possible to achieve enhanced cure speed and reduced oxygen inhibition without using hydrogen abstraction photoinitiators in the formulation.

One cyclic carbamate is described as a 5 to 7 membered cyclic carbamate ring system linked via an alkylene or polyether group to a 3-aminopropionate or 3-amino-2-methylpropionate group. Inclusion of one or more acrylate groups in such a compound

allows a free radical reaction that incorporates the cyclic carbamate into the cured film and renders it non-migrateable, which is a particular advantage in formulations used for food packaging.

Polyvinylamide polymers containing polymerisable functionalitiesUS 2011 0245409, June 2011, ISP Investments Inc, USA

Crosslinking agents, such as melamines, formaldehydes, polyfunctional silanes, zirconates, borates, polyfunctional acids and amines are often used in many applications where crosslinked polymers are required. Some polymers have been developed which do not require the addition of a crosslinking agent, but rely on covalent bonds being formed between itself and other functional materials. Many of these polymers employ glycidyl or amine functionalities. This polymer is described as comprising an N-vinyl amide monomer and a dual functional monomer. If the dual functional monomer is a glycidyl acrylate, a third polymerisable monomer is incorporated. The N-vinyl amide monomer refers to monomers such as N-vinyl caprolactam and N-vinyl formamide. The dual functional monomer has a structure

where Q is an oxirane, oxetane, aziridine, oxazaline or benzoxazine; E is a polymerisable functionality containing a carbon-carbon double bond and R is an aliphatic and/or aromatic moiety with or without a heteroatom.

Polymers created by the method described can be ionic, non-ionic or cationic. Compositions containing the polymer may be curable by UV, EB or gamma irradiation and can be utilised in formulating inks, flocculation agents, coatings, hydrophilic enhancement additives for membranes, non-migratory anti-static agents and rheology modifiers.

Formulations

One part dual curing clear coating composition acrylic modified acrylate for carsUS 2011 0281037, November 2011, PPG Industries Korea Inc, Korea

A dual cure coating is described that is applied to automotive parts, comprising an

OO

REQ-R-E eg.

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8 Patent Search

General informationDisclaimersInformation contained in the RADnews Supplement is based on current knowledge and information available to the editorial team. It is not warranted to be accurate, and recipients are strongly advised to check its accuracy before acting upon or advising on its content.Neither PRA, the original authors nor the editorial staff accept any responsibility for the content or any use which may be made of it.

CopyrightCopyright in RADnews Supplement material is retained by PRA; in addition, certain copyright may be retained by those supplying the material. Material in the supplement may be reproduced by photocopying, but only for the internal use of RadTech Europe member companies.

ContextRADnews Supplement is published solely as a part of RadTech News and therefore carries no separate ISSN number nor series number.

acrylic-modified acrylate and a melamine resin, with increased dual curing workability, appearance, mechanical properties and contains a small amount of volatile organic compound.

The coating is applied, pre-cured at a low temperature, UV cured and, finally, heat cured at a higher temperature.

A typical composition is given as:

1. 60-73.5% of a modified acrylic oligomer resin;

2. 2.2 to 3.5% of a photoinitiator;

3. 1.5 to 2.5% of a levelling agent;

4. 1-1.5% of a UV absorber;

5. 0.3 to 0.6% of a UV stabiliser;

6. 1.25 to 2.5% of a catalyst;

7. 15-25% of a low temperature curing melamine resin; and

8. 5-10% of a solvent.

The coating is pre-cured at 120°C for 1-2 minutes, irradiated with UV and finally heat cured at 150°C for 10-15 minutes.

The dual curing process helps to improve the curing density in shadow areas, where the UV does not directly illuminate the coating.

Cationically cureable compositions and a primer thereforUS 2012 0094137, August 2011, Loctite (R&D), Ireland

Cationic curing compositions are well known, being activated by thermal or photochemical means, or are two component systems that are activated at room temperature by mixing. Two component systems require thorough mixing of the separately packaged parts. Often surfaces require priming to achieve the optimum adhesion.

A composition is given that is stable on storage and will cure, independent of thermal or photochemical stimulation, after application to a target surface. The target surface initiates the cure because it has been prepared with a primer that generates a curative species.

The composition comprises

1. A cationically curable component, and

2. A non-halide silver salt.

This is applied to a surface that has carbon-halogen covalent bonds present by virtue of the presence of halogenated elastomers, polymers, PVC etc. The halogen content is

above 1%. The cationic adhesive is applied to one surface and mated with the surface containing the carbon-halogen bonds to initiate cure and form a bond.

Processes

Coated substrates and methods of preparing the sameUS 2012 0028328, May 2011, Ecology Coatings Inc, USA

Coatings are often employed to protect food from moisture and oxidation, and such coatings are required to also be safe to be in contact with the food.

A method is described as:

1. Coating a substrate with a composition comprising:

a. An optional monomer or oligomer;

b. A polypeptide (such as cysteine, albumin transferrin, ovomucin, lysozyme);

c. A denaturing agent; and

2. Curing and crosslinking by exposing the composition to shortwave actinic radiation to form a coated article.

The temperature of the coated article is less than 70°C and does not coagulate the composition during the curing process. The compositions can contain a polar solvent, flavouring agents, dye, defoamers, photoinitiators, diluents etc.

Some of the coatings described in the paper are classified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe), which means that a substance is considered safe for human consumption and is thus exempted from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements.

Method of applying protective filmsUS 2012 0085500, June 2010, American Trim LLC, USA

Plastic layers are applied to the outside of appliances to create a protective layer. This guards against scratches during manufacture and transport. It is paramount that such coatings can be removed and leave the underlying layer unblemished. Ripping or tearing of such films is also undesirable. For these reasons the film is required to have particular strength and release properties. PVC films are often used, but these present problems with recycling and concerns

over safety (chlorine and vinyl chloride in particular). Phthalate plasticisers can be used in films, but they are also unpopular on health grounds.

A composition is given, preferably comprising:-

1. 10-50% urethane acrylate oligomer;

2. 15-40% acrylate monomer; and

3. 0.5-8% photoinitiator.

Release agents are also added to improve release of the film from the item that is coated.

Items are coated by any suitable means - particularly silk screen - and the layer is cured with medium pressure mercury UV lamps, possibly in conjunction with LEDs.

The film has high strength properties as well as adhesion to the surface. Peel strength readings of 30 to 300 grams per inch are recorded. The films exhibit good grease/oil resistance and are stable at elevated temperatures that may occur in transit/ storage.

The protective layers can be also coloured.

Energy efficient UV LED curing without inerting

Find out more: www.fp7-uvled.eu/

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17RADTECH NEWS


REACHECHA launches the Classification and Labelling PlatformThe new C&L Inventory feature is a web-based discussion forum where C&L notifiers and REACH registrants of the same substance can come together and agree on the classification and labelling of their substance. However, no rules for managing discussions and coming to agreement have been set out by ECHA, leaving the outcome of the procedure uncertain. Registration deadline 1 month away!31 May 2013 will see the arrival of the 2nd registration deadline for chemical substances under REACH. In light of this, ECHA will extend operating hours of its REACH-IT platform, to give registrants more time to submit the dossiers relevant for the 2013 registration deadline.

• REACH-IT is open 24 hours a day from Monday 10:00 until Friday 20:00 (EET)

• From Monday 20 May 10:00 until 1 June 02:00 (EET), REACH-IT will be open non stop, including the last weekend of May (25-26 May).

EU Commission releases REACH reviewThe European Commission has published its mandatory review of the REACH regulation. It notes that the REACH Regulation functions well and delivers on all the objectives as

Food safetyBPA ban enters into effect in France, BelgiumThe ban of the use of BPA in France in products for infants has come into effect as of 1st of January 2013, with a ban of BPA in packaging or utensils for food use to come into force in 1st of January 2015. For Belgium, the ban for BPA in products for children under the age of 3 also entered into force as of 1st of January 2013.

The official EFSA review of the scientific evidence regarding health risks of is expected in May 2013.

Work on Dossiers for Swiss Ordinance started by RadTech Europe membersA number of members of the RadTech Europe HSE photoinitiator common interest group have started work on dossiers for 6 commodity photoinitiators, to be submitted under the Swiss Ordinance. To this end, separate project groups are currently being set up independently, which will be open to any other parties interested in participating. Members are strongly encouraged to fully participate in these dossiers where applicable.

RadTech Europe HSE Update

demonstrated by the valuable studies it summarised in the Staff Working Document. The review in particular notes that REACH has improved the safe use of chemicals both for human health and the environment. However, the review emphasizes the need to improve the quality of REACH Dossiers and calls for cuts in the registration fees for small businesses.

The Review can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/chemicals/documents/reach/review2012/index_en.htm

Changes in REACH fees Based on the outcome of the review, the European Commission has amended the registration fees, which will affect members who are planning to register substances under REACH

Below you can find the change in fees for: • Large companies in a joint submission: o 100-1000 tonnes per year: 612 euro increase o More than 1000 tonnes per year: 1451 euro increase

• Medium companies in joint submission: o 100-1000 tonnes per year: 34 euro decrease

• Small companies in joint submission: o 100-1000 tonnes per year: 217 euro decrease

Goal is to ensure the photoinitiators will stay on list A of the Annex 6, with the corresponding more lenient migration limits. The group will be supported by EuPIA member companies with the provision of migration data which will allow the authorities to determine the highest levels of acceptable migration.

Biocides directiveThe Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, which are used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against harmful organisms, like pests or bacteria, by the action of the active substances contained in the biocidal product. This regulation aims to improve the functioning of the biocidal products market in the EU, while ensuring a high level of protection to humans and the environment.

The new text was adopted on 22 May 2012 and will be applicable from 1 September 2013, with a transitional period for certain provisions. It will repeal the Biocidal Products Directive (Directive 98/8/EC).

All biocidal products to be placed on the market require an authorisation, and the active substances contained in that biocidal product should be previously approved. The BPR intends to harmonise the market at Union level, simplify the authorisation and approval of active substances and introduce timelines for Member State evaluations, opinion-forming and decision-making. It also promotes reduction in animal testing by mandatory data sharing and encouraging the use of alternative testing methods.

As in the previous directive, the approval of active substances takes place at Union level and the subsequent authorisation of the biocidal products at Member State level. This authorisation can be extended to other Member States by mutual recognition. However, the new regulation also provides applicants with the possibility of a new type of authorisation at Union level (Union authorisation).

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News from the Industry

Surface improvement of radiation curable systems through cross linkable additives

Radiation curing is a fast and highly effective method to process coatings. Thus, the systems and the additives that are used in this sort of coating production need to react quickly and show some more specific characteristics such as a high mobility, strong surface orientation (for quick access to the coating´s surface), and a good compatibility (for high quality application results in various binder systems). On the basis of a versatile toolbox BYK has now designed an innovative family of different additives for radiation curing systems that do not only possess the above-mentioned qualities but that are also neutral in color and odor. BYK®-UV 3505, BYK®-UV 3535, BYK®-UV 3575, and BYK®-UV 3576 crosslink with the coating matrix for no migration and a long-lasting effect. As the additives have been designed individually each of them shows its own profile with respect to slip enhancement or influence on the coatings´ surface tension. All together they form a family that meets the requirements of almost all available systems from solvent-borne to aqueous, or from epoxy acrylates to unsaturated polyesters.

For more information: www.byk.com

Former AEB Electron Beam lab unit follow-up

After that AEB (Advanced Electron Beams), a venture- backed firm led by Richard Feldt, has halted operations and sold off its assets; the former activities have been redeployed.

The German company METALL+PLASTIC has acquired the license for the manufacturing of the e250H and e400H emitters. METALL+PLASTIC has completed the setup of the operation in their production facility in Radolfzell-Stahringen end of last year and is now in process of emitter manufac-ture. The bespoke emitters are used for all kind of applications in the field of Low Energy Electron Beams. To improve access of European users indus-try to Electron Beam technology at an affordable price, METALL+PLASTIC and RADSYS have decided to cooperate together. A letter of intent on coopera-tion in this area was already signed by both parties.

Based on this agreement, RADSYS will take over the services of the existing ADU laboratory units sold by former AEB in Europe such as dose calibration, standard maintenance but also propose new features like upgraded PLC management. RADSYS will also manufacture new electron beam laboratory units that will be use by various industry sectors for curing of coatings, film treatment or materials decontami-nation. METALL+PLASTIC will assist RADSYS by manufacturing new and refurbished e250H and e400H emitters for integration in the laboratory units.

METALL+PLASTIC and RADSYS will also cooperate on the development and continuous improvement of the electron beam emitters.

For further information: http://www.radsys.euhttp://www.metall-plastic.de

Chinaplas 2013: UV technology for industrial coatings

IST METZ presents solutions for the curing of coatings by means of UV technology

At Chinaplas which will take place from 20th – 23rd May in Ghuangzhou, China, IST METZ GmbH will be presenting its products at the German booth. At stand 5.1 C05, the UV system manufacturer will be showing a broad range of products for the curing of industrial coatings by means of UV technology.

Together with VTD Vakuumtechnik Dresden GmbH, a company of the IST METZ Group, IST METZ GmbH presents solutions for the metallisation of plastics. With PVD (“physical vapour deposition”) coating, it is possible to give plastic parts a metallic appearance. Very thin metallic layers are applied on plastic. A UV primer that serves as an adhesive and a UV top coat for the finishing of the surface are used before and after the coating. At the moment, PVD is mainly used in the cosmetics and automotive industry. The IST METZ Group offers systems for the entire coating process, both the PVD coating units from VTD Vakuumtechnik Dresden GmbH and the UV units from IST METZ GmbH for the curing of the UV primer and top coat.

With UV technology, parts can be cured in fractions of a second. Hence immediate processing is possi-ble. The coating units are compact and very energy-efficient because of the short curing times. With the MBS®-5 L, IST METZ presents a product that com-bines the specific requirements of the market with drying technology based on the latest technical de-velopments in UV system manufacturing. The MBS®-5 L UV system is based on the air-cooled MBS®-5 UV unit that is already proven in narrow-web label printing. As a result, the MBS®-5 L repre-

sents a powerful air-cooled UV unit with a lamp length of 550 to 1,100 mm.

IST METZ also demonstrates the latest developments in LED UV technology. UV LEDs are used wherever their specific advantages such as cold light, nearly monochromatic light, modularity or simple machine integration are required. IST METZ shows examples for that at its booth, amongst them new products from its partner company Integration Technology Ltd. like the LEDZero Solidcure. The water-cooled system is used for the curing of industrial coatings with an output of up to 12 W/cm². Once switched on, it is ready straight away. It also transmits very little heat to the substrate and has an extremely long service life.

China Print 2013: Plenty of UV light with little use of energy

IST METZ focussing more on energy efficiency

At China Print in Beijing, which will take place from 14th - 18th May, IST METZ GmbH will be pre-senting UV systems for the curing of UV inks and varnishes at stand W1-031. The new BLK-6 UV con-cept and sheet-fed end-of-press drying system are keeping in line with the development goal of the UV system manufacturer to considerably improve energy efficiency for every new product generation.

A whole series of innovative technological ideas that facilitate a high standard of efficiency are hidden be-hind the modern housing design. Current examples include the newly developed IPS control generation and the UV online sensor from IST METZ. The IPS concept builds on the classic functions of a control system, adding intelligent options such as remote service and monitoring. All BLK-6 units are fitted with the new UV online sensor as standard. The miniature sensor, directly integrated into the surface of the reflector, measures the UV radiation efficiency before showing it in the operating display.

Productivity gains that cost lessUsers stand to benefit significantly from the effective interaction of components in the BLK-6 UV system, with the new generation allowing for greater pro-ductivity at reduced operating costs. In practice, for example, this means that using two of the new BLK-6 devices is enough to achieve the same curing re-sults from three UV units several years ago. The im-mediate result is reduced current consumption, noticeable in lower energy costs.

Innovative flexible shutter positionWith its sheet-fed end-of-press drying system, IST METZ presents another newly developed product. Its multi-stage FSP drive (Flexible Shutter Position) –allows the user to reduce the shutter opening to an interim stage when processing temperature-sensitive substrate. The various shutter openings can be manu-ally switched at the control panel or automatically, depending on speed. The influence of temperature on the substrate is thus reduced once again. IST METZ registered this development for a patent in 2012.Both systems feature the product label “e³”. This

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19RADTECH NEWS


stands for “energy efficient equipment” and is to be gradually added to all of the company’s UV systems. And to make sure this is possible, product develop-ment will continue to focus on the optimum use of electrical energy.

More information: www.ist-uv.com

DSM-AGI strengthens UV-curable resins product portfolio with pro-duction at brand-new manufac-turing facility

DSM-AGI announces to have started production of UV-curable resins at its brand-new, highly auto-mated manufacturing facility, located in Changbin, Taiwan. Over the past 18 months, DSM-AGI has made a substantial investment to secure its tran-sition and commitment to sustainable business in coating resins. The new facility is a significant part of this transition and meets the most stringent of global safety and quality standards.

Furthermore, DSM-AGI will strengthen its sales, logistics, technical service and regulatory support to its customers in Europe and the US through the integration with DSM Coating Resins. DSM Coating Resins is part of the Performance Materials cluster of Royal DSM N.V. and has a focus on sustainable coating resins, which, next to water-borne and powder coating resins, is now more than ever strengthened with UV-curing resins. It also shows the continued commitment to shape the fu-ture of sustainable coatings.

In 2011, DSM obtained a majority stake in AGI Corporation of Taiwan (AGI), which became DSM-AGI. DSM-AGI offers a broad range of environmen-tally friendly UV (ultraviolet) curable resins and oth-er products that are used in coatings and inks for wood, flooring, plastic and graphic arts applications. DSM–AGI Corporation DSM-AGI is focusing on the development, production and sales of UV resins worldwide. DSM-AGI is selling UV resins under the brands AGISYN® and NEORAD®. DSM-AGI is serv-ing the coatings and graphic arts markets using the route to market channels of DSM Coating Resins, a business unit of DSM Resins & Functional Materials. DSM obtained a majority share in DSM-AGI Corporation in July 2011.

More information: www.dsm-agi.com

Electron Beam Technology: An idea bears fruit

Electron beam technology is flourishing. One of its pioneers, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Schiller, has reached his 80th birthday: The Fraunhofer FEP wishes to con-gratulate him.

Even though old tube-type televisions are nowadays found in very few homes, electron beam technology is still very much in fashion. In the mid 1920s elec-tron beams were used for the first time for technical applications such as for drilling small holes and for evaporating metals. From 1930 onwards electron beams were then used all over the world in televi-sion sets. Today, electron beam technology has a very wide spectrum of applications.

The basis for these applications, which has in the meantime developed into a very successful area of work of the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, has been decades of R&D work. This includes work at the former Manfred von Ardenne Research Institute and more recently at the Fraunhofer FEP. Prof. Dr. Siegfried Schiller super-vised the technology developments from 1965 to 1990, firstly as deputy director of the Manfred von Ardenne Research Institute and then until 1999 as director of the Fraunhofer FEP. On the occasion of his 80th birthday it is appropriate to reflect on his fruitful work. The spectrum of successful modern applications for electron beams starts with classical production proc-esses such as the welding together of different mate-rials, the remelting of metals, the high-rate coating of large surfaces such as turbine blades in the aircraft industry, and surface-structuring. Even in areas not normally associated with electron beams this tech¬nology complements traditional technologies: For example, plastics can be given new functionali-ties on a large scale and paints can be cured without the need for UV initiators.

It is more than 25 years since the former Manfred von Ardenne Research Institute first carried out stud-ies on the sterilizing effect of accelerated electrons. This ability of electron beams to kill pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses is beco¬ming ever more relevant today: After all, the damage to peo-ple’s health and to the economy due to multiresistant germs in hospitals and in agriculture is becoming ev-er more serious. Electrons are able to sterilize mate-rials without high heat input, and this is particularly important for medical products made of plastic.

Unlike the familiar gamma rays whose use requires special equipment, the Fraunhofer FEP uses low-en-ergy electrons which require no complex concrete shielding.

The sterilization of seed products using electron beams, which is based on the same principle, has grown in popularity in recent years due to stricter environmental regulations on the use of chemical dressings and due to greater awareness about food safety. Since 2011 the amount of seed sterilized us-ing electron beams has tripled compared to previous years to about 9000 metric tons. In 2012 the quanti-ty of electron beam treated seed reached the 11,000 metric ton mark, which repre¬sents the limit of the demonstration unit. One customer of the Fraunhofer FEP has already ordered a second, customized unit. The Fraunhofer FEP eagerly looks forward to the future and is enormously grateful to one of the pioneers of electron beam technology, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Schiller.

For more information: www.fep.fraunhofer.de/en/Technologien/Elektronenstrahltechnologie.html

Industry NewsThese page(s) feature abstracts of press information received from RTE members or articles con-cerning RTE members collected from the trade press in recent months. RTE members interested in extra media coverage can send their press releases to the RTE secretariat, e-mail: [email protected] in either word or pdf format (pictures already included in the text). We will then make sure to post them on our website and in the RTE News e-zine (published twice per year).

Questionnaire e-zineWe are very interested in your thoughts on the new electronic format of the RadTech news. Please send your comments and suggestions to [email protected].


The congress programme is now

available on

www.european-coatings.com/radtech

Register now!!

304532_Radtech_1_2013.indd 19 09-05-13 20:52

RadTech Europe: Promoting & Developing UV & EB Technology in European Industry www.radtech-europe.com

RadTech News 1st issue, April 2013RadTech News (e-zine) is published 2 times a year exclusively for members of RadTech Europe. In 2013, the hard copy yearbook will be published in June/July as a conference/anniversary book.RadTech Europe is the European Association for the promotion of UV/EB curing technology for inks, coatings and adhesives.

Edited and published by RadTech EuropeLejeune Association ManagementMark MacaréElke VerbaarschotP.O. Box 85612 NL-2508 CHThe Hague, The NetherlandsTel.: +31 (0)70 3123920Fax: +31 (0)70 3636348Email: [email protected]: www.radtech-europe.com

Management CommitteePresident: David Helsby, RadLab/ RAHN Vice-President: Matteo Vasconi, Cytec Treasurer: Philippe Thepot, Sartomer Europe Barbara Fenzi, Lamberti SpA Wilfried Grob, BASF Nick Ivory, Sun Chemical Urs Läuppi, COMET AG Arnd Riekenbrauck, IST METZ GmbH Dawn Skinner, Fusion UV Systems, Inc.

Chair Marketing Committee: Wilfried Grob, BASFChair HSE Committee: Mark Macaré (interim Chair)Chair Metal Coatings Group: Stefan Smeets, CytecChair EB Project Group: Urs Läuppi, Energy Sciences Inc. Chair Graphic Arts Group: Emilio Martin, DSM

RTE Conference: Dawn Skinner, Fusion UV Systems

Association management for RadTech EuropeMark Macaré, Secretary GeneralElke Verbaarschot, Senior Management AssistantCora Van der Lek, Financial Support

Printing & Designde Swart, The Hague

RadTech Europe News issue has been compiled with utmost care, RadTech Europe declines any responsibility for possible incompleteness of any information published in this issue.

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EUROPE

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RTE News 2013 April issue (1)

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Transcript of RTE News 2013 April issue (1)