UV coatings: resistant, efficient and environmentally compatible

The intelligent coating of plastics

Innovative raw materials for radiation-curing systems

Leverkusen, – The major benefits of UV-curable coatings are the speed of photo-polymerization and the low curing temperatures. Even heat-sensitive parts can be coated and further processed within a very short time, making for a high level of efficiency. At K 2010, the international trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry which is to be held in Düsseldorf from October 27 to November 3, Bayer MaterialScience will be showcasing a number of innovative, environmentally compatible raw materials for application to plastics using this clever coating technology.

Radiation-curing waterborne coatings with outstanding resistance properties
With Bayhydrol® UV 2689/1 XP, Bayer MaterialScience has developed a polyurethane dispersion for radiation-curing waterborne coatings that are highly resistant not only to moisture and elevated temperatures, but also to sunscreen products and other cosmetics. Through the application of such coating systems, the housings of mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices will continue to gleam even if they are handled frequently with moist or creamed hands. “In terms of its resistance to hydrolysis and chemicals, this solvent-free product is a real breakthrough. The outstanding properties of the resultant coatings are due to the extremely highly crosslinked molecular structures produced during radiation curing,” said Dr. Arno Nennemann, an expert in UV radiation-curing coatings at Bayer MaterialScience.

Bayhydrol® UV 2689/1 XP will even allow the formulation of coating systems that require only a single coat to produce an opaque finish and then create a metallic effect on the plastic surface. Clear coats based on the dispersion can balance out the slight surface roughness of basecoats and therefore have a high gloss finish. They also have good scratch and abrasion resistance.

Allophanate-based urethane acrylates
For the water and solvent-free coating of plastics with radiation-curing systems, Bayer MaterialScience also markets allophanate-based urethane acrylates. The special characteristic of coatings based on these binders is their outstanding weather stability. At the same time, they have low viscosity and are free of reactive thinners. This opens up enormous scope in coating formulation. “Coatings can be formulated to meet the most exacting of requirements, with a property profile determined almost entirely by the high-grade urethane acrylate fraction,” explained Dr. Wolfgang Fischer, another expert for UV-curable coatings at Bayer MaterialScience.

Coatings based on Desmolux® XP 2738 are noted not only for their weather resistance but also for their excellent resistance to chemicals. They protect the surfaces of, for example, automotive add-on parts in a corrosive environment, and also have excellent abrasion and scratch resistance. The use of Desmolux® XP 2666, another raw material in the allophanate range, is recommended in particular where a high UV-reactivity and therefore particularly rapid curing is important. Finally, Desmolux® XP 2740 can be used in combination with other urethane acrylates to enhance the flexibility and elasticity of the resultant coating.

Furthermore, the use of the three allophanate-based urethane acrylates is not just limited to the coating of solid plastics: “Based on these raw materials, it is also possible to formulate coatings for plastic film and for metal and mineral surfaces,” added Dr. Fischer.

This news release is available for download from the press server of Bayer MaterialScience AG at www.press.bayerbms.com.
The company also plans to exhibit this innovation at K 2010 in Düsseldorf from October 27 to November 3, 2010.
Further information on Bayer MaterialScience’s participation at the trade show (Hall 6, Stand A 75) can be found at www.k2010.bayermaterialscience.com.


About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2009 sales of EUR 7.5 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2009, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 14,300 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.


Find more information at www.bayermaterialscience.com.