UVkovettuvalla

UVkovettuvalla refers to materials and coatings that cure or harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. In Finnish industrial contexts the term covers UV-curable coatings, inks, and adhesives formulated from reactive oligomers or monomers such as acrylates, urethane acrylates, or epoxy acrylates, paired with photoinitiators that generate free radicals or cations upon UV illumination.

Upon exposure, the photoinitiator absorbs UV energy and starts polymerization of the acrylate groups, forming a crosslinked network. Radical-based systems typically use initiating centers that generate free radicals and cure quickly, while cationic systems use onium salts and can cure in the presence of moisture. The process usually occurs in seconds to minutes, enabling high-throughput manufacturing and rapid handling of finished parts.

UVkovettuvalla coatings and inks offer fast cure, low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and the ability to cure at or near room temperature. They adhere well to a variety of substrates and provide excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, gloss, and clarity. Common applications include wood and furniture coatings, protective overcoats for plastics, screen and digital printing inks, electronics encapsulation, and dental or medical resin materials.

Limitations include sensitivity to oxygen inhibition for radical systems, limited cure depth in thick or opaque layers, potential yellowing with some formulations, and the need for compatible substrates and UV equipment (lamp types and wavelengths). Handling acrylates and photoinitiators requires safety measures such as ventilation and personal protective equipment due to irritation hazards.

Recent developments focus on UV-LED technology to reduce energy use and heat, improved formulation flexibility for multi-layer coatings, lower cure temperatures, and better compatibility with sustainable materials and recyclability.