UVcured

UVcured refers to materials and coatings that harden or cure through exposure to ultraviolet light. The process uses photoinitiators that absorb UV energy and generate reactive species, typically free radicals or cations, which initiate rapid polymerization of multifunctional monomers or oligomers to form a crosslinked network.

Common chemistries include acrylates and methacrylates, epoxies with acrylate functional groups, and urethane acrylates. Photoinitiators can be Type I (cleave to produce radicals) or Type II (sensitized by co-initiators). UV sources include mercury lamps and, increasingly, LEDs in the near-UV range (about 365–405 nm).

Applications span protective coatings on wood, metal, and plastics, inkjet and screen inks, adhesives, dental composites, and resins used for 3D printing and electronics encapsulation. The technology offers rapid curing, enables room-temperature processing, and often reduces volatile organic compound emissions compared with solventbased systems.

Advantages include fast cure times, strong adhesion, chemical resistance, and potential energy savings. Limitations involve depth of cure (light must penetrate the material), surface oxygen inhibition, the need for compatible substrate and photoinitiator systems, and safety concerns related to UV exposure. Equipment costs and formulation constraints may also be considerations.

Recent developments emphasize UV-LED light sources, low-energy consumption, and new photoinitiators that broaden cure spectra and improve heat management. UVcured systems continue to expand in coatings, printing, and additive manufacturing due to their speed and environmental profile.