Characteristics and Applications of Electron Beam Curing (EB)

EB curing technology uses an electron beam as a radiation source to induce the rapid transformation of specially configured 100% solid materials (such as EB coatings, EB inks, etc.) into solids. The earliest application of this technology abroad was by Ford Company in the United States. In the 1970s, Ford applied EB curing technology to the coating of automotive components; Around 2004, some printing companies in China only began to introduce EB curing equipment, mainly used for the coating of gloss.

Most people believe that the difference between EB curing mechanism and UV curing is only that the latter requires a photoinitiator, but in fact, it is not.

UV curing is the decomposition of photoinitiators to generate free radicals and initiate polymerization. The final properties of the coating depend on the functionality of the resin. All new bonds in this system are generated through the functional groups of the resin and some cross-linking generated by the chain termination reaction at the end of the polymerization process. And EB curing is the use of high-energy electron beams to bombard low molecular weight prepolymers in the system, randomly generating free radical active points. This not only allows for double bond polymerization in the resin, but also allows for crosslinking between free radicals or with the resin.

3.1  advantage

Environmental protection: EB solidification can reduce carbon dioxide and VOC free emissions

Efficient: EB ink undergoes chain growth reaction under the action of an electron beam, resulting in a shorter coating curing time and much faster curing speed than UV curing. Moreover, it can completely cure thicker ink layers. Moreover, EB curing can be used in the processing process of film lamination, without the need for aging treatment, which can shorten the delivery time.

No heat generation: EB curing belongs to cold curing and does not cause thermal deformation of the printing substrate. Therefore, it can be coated and printed on heat shrink films, heat sensitive paper, etc.

3.2  shortcoming

The EB electron beam is prone to oxygen reaction in the air, producing ozone, which reduces its energy. Therefore, during use, the EB device must be placed in an inert gas atmosphere.

4.1  Home decoration field

Mainly used for surface coating of home decoration panels such as doors, windows, wardrobes, etc. Considering the high VOC of traditional solvent based coatings, which are harmful to human health, excessive photoinitiators in UV based coatings can have a foul odor and cannot be deeply cured, EB curing method is considered as an alternative to prepare various weather resistant, fingerprint resistant, wear-resistant, high gloss, mirror like, high fullness panels and decorative film materials, such as fiberboard, multi-layer board, OSB board, Particle board and foam board, etc. The structural manifestation is:

Special introduction to the EB four resistant plate manufactured by Zhihua Group using black technology EB process:

Available in various colors and styles: solid color series, wood grain series, stone grain series, cloth grain series, etc. Meet various design styles such as light luxury and minimalism in the home decoration industry.

4.2  Aluminized paper

EB coating is mostly used to replace traditional heat curing solvent based or water-based coating coatings, as well as some high energy consuming solvent-free composite coatings. EB curing coatings can be directly applied to the surface of paper, and through the design of the coating formula, a coating layer with frosting, matte, and other effects is formed. At the same time, the strength of the coated paper increases, and it can directly enter the aluminum plating machine for aluminum plating.

4.3  Surface coatings for medical devices, aerospace, etc

Apply EB coating on the surface of medical devices and use electron beam curing to prepare special functional coatings, especially through surface treatment to enhance antibacterial and efficacy effects.