Application of UV-curing anti-cratering additives in coatings and inks
1. Mechanism of action
Ultraviolet-curing (UV) anti-cratering additives reduce surface tension and improve leveling to prevent the formation
of crater defects in coatings or inks due to uneven surface tension during the curing process. Its core functions include:
Surface tension regulation: through the interaction between the polar groups in the molecular structure and the resin
system, the dynamic surface tension is reduced, so that the liquid film is evenly spread before curing.
Leveling enhancement: Promote the flow and extension of the liquid film, and reduce problems such as orange peel
and cratering caused by insufficient leveling.
Compatibility optimization: Synergistically work with UV resins, photoinitiators and other ingredients to avoid surface
defects caused by precipitation or incompatibility of additives.
2. Application areas
UV coatings: In the coating of substrates such as wood, plastics, and metals, prevent cratering caused by surface tension
differences and improve the flatness and glossiness of the paint film.
UV ink: suitable for screen printing, flexographic printing, offset printing and other processes, ensuring that the ink adheres
evenly during curing to avoid shrinkage caused by differences in substrate surface energy (such as plastic film, metal foil).
3C product coating: in UV coating of electronic device housings (such as mobile phones and tablets), prevent appearance
defects caused by uneven coating.
3. Technical advantages
High efficiency: rapid leveling is achieved through molecular design, shortening the production cycle.
Environmental protection: replace traditional solvent-based leveling agents and reduce VOC emissions.
Compatibility: compatible with a variety of UV resin systems (such as epoxy acrylate, polyurethane acrylate), adaptable
to different curing conditions.
Versatility: some anti-shrinkage additives have both slip and scratch resistance properties, improving the overall performance
of the coating.
4. Application examples
Plastic coating: in UV coating of plastic substrates such as PC and PMMA, adding anti-shrinkage additives can significantly
improve leveling and reduce shrinkage caused by low substrate surface energy.
Metal decoration: In UV coating of metal surfaces, prevent shrinkage caused by surface tension differences of metal substrates
and improve coating adhesion.
Flexographic ink: In flexographic printing applications such as films and labels, ensure that the ink is evenly spread to avoid
shrinkage caused by deformation of the substrate or uneven tension.
5. Precautions for use
Dosage control: Excessive addition may cause the coating to become sticky or affect the curing speed. The dosage needs to be
optimized according to the specific formula.
Synergy with photoinitiator: It is necessary to ensure that the anti-shrinkage additive has no chemical reaction with the photoinitiator
to avoid affecting the curing efficiency.
Substrate pretreatment: For substrates with low surface energy (such as plastics such as PP and PE), corona treatment or primer
treatment is required to enhance the bonding between the substrate and the coating.
6. Market trend
With the popularization of UV curing technology, the demand for the application of anti-shrinkage additives in coatings and inks
continues to grow. In the future, additives will develop in a more efficient, environmentally friendly and compatible direction, such as
developing low-migration and biodegradable anti-shrinkage additives to meet the needs of the high-end coating field.
