Dow’s technical leaders presented new findings at a technology expo to demonstrate the improved toughness and flexibility of coatings formulated with Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxides. 

The conference was held May 2-5 in Charlotte, North Carolina. New research featuring two experimental/developmental products presented at the expo, ERLX-4360 and Cyracure UVR-6150 cycloaliphatic epoxide, show improved coating flexibility, hardness, and adhesion, the company said.  New technical information showing development in cationic curing flexo inks was also presented.
Cationic UV-cure coatings based on Dow’s line of Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxide resins are well known in applications involving metal and plastic substrates.  The ring-opening polymerisation mechanism of cycloaliphatic epoxides has many advantages over traditional, free radical-based resins, and results in excellent adhesion to difficult substrates such as metal and plastic.  Coating and ink formulations made with cycloaliphatic epoxides yield colour stability and chemical resistance.
Dow offers a comprehensive line of tougher and more flexible Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxide resins, products and photoinitiators supporting new cationic technology advances.
“Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxides provide unparalleled performance in the use of cationic technology for coatings and inks applications,” Dow said.  Dow Chemical Company is the leader in cationic technology and offers an array of UV-cure products to meet a variety of customer needs.
“The outstanding performance of Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxides makes them suitable for a variety of end uses. Their low viscosity gives the formulator broad latitude in meeting end-use processing needs. This combination of end-use properties and formulating latitude makes Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxide resins and diluents important contributors to the advancement of UV-curable coatings and inks technology.”
UV-cured coatings systems based on Cyracure cycloaliphatic epoxides are useful in a variety of applications including can-end varnishes, white base coat, aerosol can coatings, paper coatings, flexo, screen, and ink jet inks, laminating adhesives, electrical/electronic coatings and encapsulants.
Dow says UV curing for coatings and inks offers users an array of advantages over traditional thermal– or solvent–based coating systems.