Radiation Curable Coatings on Plastics

Abstract

Variables affecting the properties of electron beam cured acrylic and polyester coatings have been studied. The concentration of double bonds in unsaturated polymer, glass transition temperature of the coating and the choice of vinyl monomers for viscosity adjustment determine the solvent resistance and hardness of the coating. Electron beam cured coatings show excellent adhesion on ABS and untreated polypropylene. That the electron beam curing of paint on automotive plastic components is a suitable industrial process is indicated by recently announced Ford Production facility.