UV technologies
DSM has a broad portfolio of UV products ranging from 100% UV oligomers to waterborne UV dispersions, solid acrylics and UV curable powder coatings. Cured by ultraviolet light, they create exceptionally durable coatings on a variety of substrates. UV coatings are one of the most sustainable coating technologies, non-flammable and without solvents or Volatile Organic Compounds. In addition, the curing process doesn’t require heating, thereby resulting in the lowest carbon footprint with high performance levels.
One of the most exciting areas of focus in this technology area is 100% UV. Because with 100% UV, liquid resin instantly turns into a solid state, the coating immediately reaching its final performance properties. UV is used in many industrial applications such as furniture coatings, parquet lacquers, plastic coatings, printings inks and high gloss paper coatings. UV is also a technology which still has many opportunities for innovation, not only to improve the performance in existing application areas, but also to take it to new fields. For example, we’re developing decorative coatings and on-site applied floor lacquers; here UV will make painting a year-round, rather than seasonal activity. And there will be no need to drive to and from a job while each coat of paint dries; it will cure so fast that four coatings can be applied in quick succession, saving valuable time and cutting unnecessary carbon travelling miles.
In the packaging industry UV/EB printing inks are also used increasingly because of the excellent sustainability profile of the technology. What’s more, UV printing inks are also advantageous in terms of good performance, fast line speeds and the easy cleaning of the UV printing lines.
100% UV can also make life brighter for people who prefer products that aren’t glossy. Our unique, patented technology gives the coating producers the option of Easy Matting. A finish type that’s becoming increasingly fashionable but was almost impossible to achieve using traditional UV.
And finally, our solid acrylics are available for enhancing the adhesion and flexibility performance of your UV formulations. These coatings don’t just look beautiful; they’re stronger and more impact-resistant too. So your laminated kitchen top will withstand the day-to-day stains, knocks and bumps of family life. Your new laptop will survive the daily commute without a scratch. And the beautiful wooden flooring you’ve laid in your lounge will last, whatever life throws at it.
