Analysis on the classification, synthesis method and application fields of UV resin

UVEB large platform: UV resin, also known as ultraviolet curing resin, is a polymer material that can quickly solidify into a film under ultraviolet irradiation. This resin has a relatively low molecular weight and contains UV-reactive groups, such as unsaturated double bonds or epoxy groups. Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, as well as environmental protection characteristics, UV resin has been widely used in the field of photocurable products, such as UV coatings, UV inks and UV adhesives. Its properties determine to a large extent the main properties of the cured material.

01 Main characteristics of UV resin

1. Safety and environmental protection: UV resin does not emit harmful gases during the curing process, helping to improve the working environment and prevent air pollution. Its solid content is as high as 100%, and it can be completely converted into a film after being illuminated. After the film is formed, it will be plump and bright.

2. Efficient production: UV resin is not affected by severe cold seasons and can be quickly cured at room temperature, significantly improving production efficiency.

3. Excellent film-forming properties: UV glazing film has the characteristics of high gloss, smoothness, and is heat-resistant, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant.

4. Good operability: Different from the traditional curing mechanism, UV glazing is not limited by coating time. The coated objects have sufficient time to exhaust and remove bubbles before UV irradiation, which is easy to clean and maintain. The unused resin can be reused to reduce waste and save costs.

5. Various coating processes: brush coating, spray coating, roller coating, curtain coating and other processes can be used to adjust the coating thickness according to needs. For products requiring higher film thickness, multiple coatings can be applied.

02 Classification of UV resin

There are many types of UV resins according to different classification standards.

1. From the perspective of curing method, UV resins can be divided into free radical type and cationic type.

Under the irradiation of ultraviolet light, the unsaturated double bonds in the free radical UV resin undergo free radical polymerization with the surrounding molecules to form a three-dimensional network structure. Cationic UV resin is cured by a polymerization reaction initiated by cations.

These two types of UV resins have their own advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different application scenarios.

2. According to the structure and performance, UV resin can be divided into three types: hard, semi-hard and soft.

Hard UV resin has high hardness and wear resistance, and is often used to make high-gloss decorative coatings. Semi-hard UV resin has good flexibility and impact resistance, and is suitable for making products that require high flexibility. Soft UV resin has good adhesion and elasticity, and is suitable for making coatings that need to adhere to other materials.

3. According to the purpose, UV resin can be divided into types such as coatings, inks, adhesives, etc.

• UV resin for coatings has high gloss, high hardness and excellent weather resistance, and is suitable for manufacturing various indoor and outdoor decorative coatings.
• UV resin for ink has good transparency and glossiness and is suitable for making various printing inks.
• UV resin for adhesives has good adhesion and durability and is suitable for making various adhesives.

4. According to the difference in solvent types, UV resins can be divided into two categories: solvent-based and water-based.

Among them, solvent-based resins can only be dissolved in organic solvents, while water-based resins contain hydrophilic groups or hydrophilic segments and can form emulsions, dispersions or dissolves in water.

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In general, there are many ways to classify UV resins, and different classification methods are suitable for different application scenarios. At the same time, with the continuous advancement of technology and the changing application needs, the classification methods of UV resins will also be continuously updated and improved.

03 Synthesis method of UV resin

1. Synthesis principle

The synthesis of UV resin is mainly based on free radical polymerization. Under the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, the photoinitiator absorbs energy, generates free radicals, initiates monomer polymerization, and forms a polymer chain. This process can be completed in a very short time and does not require heating. Therefore, the synthesis of UV resin has the advantages of high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental protection.

2. Synthesis steps

① Prepolymer synthesis

The synthesis of prepolymer is the first step in the synthesis of UV resin. Prepolymer is a mixture of oligomers, photoinitiators and diluents. Oligomers are the main components of UV resins, and their molecular weight is generally between 1000-5000. Commonly used oligomers include polyester, polyurethane, epoxy resin, etc. Photoinitiators are key substances for initiating polymerization reactions, and commonly used ones include benzoin ethers and acetophenones. Diluents are mainly used to adjust viscosity and control curing speed, and commonly used ones include styrene and acrylates.

② Prepolymer modification

In order to meet specific performance requirements, it is sometimes necessary to modify the prepolymer. Common modification methods include adding pigments, fillers, functional monomers, etc. These modified substances can improve the hue, hardness, chemical corrosion resistance and other properties of UV resins.

③ Polymerization reaction

The modified prepolymer is polymerized under ultraviolet light. This step requires strict control of temperature and ultraviolet light exposure time to ensure complete polymerization and stable performance of the resin. After the polymerization is completed, liquid UV resin is obtained.

④ Resin post-processing

In order to make the UV resin reach the required viscosity and solid content, post-treatment is required. Common post-treatment methods include heating, adding solvents, etc. This step can further improve the performance of UV resin, such as improving its adhesion and chemical corrosion resistance.

3. Influencing factors

① Ultraviolet intensity: affects the synthesis speed and performance of UV resin. High-intensity ultraviolet rays accelerate polymerization and curing, but too strong may cause yellowing and degradation.

② Temperature: High temperature promotes polymerization, but affects the volatilization of initiators and diluents, and synthesis must be carried out within an appropriate temperature range.

③ Type and amount of diluent: It affects the viscosity, curing speed and performance of UV resin, so you need to choose the right type and amount.

④ Type and amount of oligomer: It has a decisive influence on the performance of resin, and the type and amount should be selected according to the needs.

⑤ Type and dosage of photoinitiator: It affects the curing speed and performance of UV resin, so you need to choose the right type and dosage.

In summary, the synthesis method of UV resin is a process involving multiple steps and factors. By scientifically and rationally controlling the synthesis conditions, UV resins with excellent performance can be obtained to meet the application requirements of different fields.

04 Application fields of UV resin

UV resin is widely used in many fields such as UV coatings, UV inks and UV adhesives. Among these fields, UV coatings are the most widely used. There are many types of UV coatings, including UV water-based coatings, UV powder coatings, UV leather coatings, UV optical fiber coatings, UV metal coatings, UV paper varnishes, UV plastic coatings and UV wood coatings. In view of the excellent physical and chemical properties of UV resin, it has been widely used in various industries.

• In the construction industry, UV resins are often used to manufacture various building materials, such as fiberglass and glass fiber reinforced plastics, due to their excellent weather resistance and corrosion resistance. These materials are widely used in various construction projects, such as bridges, highways, tunnels, etc.
• In the automotive industry, UV resin is also widely used due to its lightweight, high strength and good heat resistance. It is mainly used to produce automotive parts such as headlight covers and interior and exterior trims. This not only improves the performance of the car, but also enhances the appearance and texture.
• In the aerospace field, UV resin also demonstrates its excellent performance. Due to its excellent high and low temperature resistance, it is often used to manufacture various parts of aircraft and satellites, such as wings, fuselages, and solar panels. This provides a strong guarantee for the performance and safety of aircraft and spacecraft.
• In addition, UV resins are also widely used in the fields of electronics, medical equipment, sports equipment, etc. In the field of electronics, UV resins can be used to manufacture circuit boards and electronic component packaging materials; in the field of medical equipment, UV resins can be used to produce medical device parts and materials; in the field of sports equipment, UV resins can be used to manufacture lightweight and high-strength sports equipment.

In summary, due to the unique physical and chemical properties of UV resin, it has been widely used in various industries. With the continuous development of science and technology, the application prospects of UV resin will be broader.