Introduction to UV Curing Technology

UV (Ultra-Violet) curing involves the polymerization and crosslinking of functional monomers and oligomers (usually liquid) into a crosslinked polymer network (usually solid film) induced by UV lights (photons). The curing is very fast and occurs in a fraction of a second. Curing proceeds by either free radical or cationic mechanism. Reactive monomers, oligomers and photoinitiators are the three major chemical components in a typical UV curing formulation.

The basic chemistry and technology of UV curing will be covered. The paper will end with a brief discussion of preliminary studies of UV curable systems with outstanding weathering resistance for exterior applications such as automotive parts manufacturing.