How to Reduce Shrinkage in UV Formulations（Part 2）

Selection of Low Shrinkage Resins and Monomers

One of the most effective ways to reduce shrinkage in UV formulations is to choose resins and monomers that exhibit low shrinkage during curing. Several types of resins and monomers are formulated specifically to minimize shrinkage and maintain dimensional stability during the curing process.

Low Shrinkage Resins

· Acrylates and Methacrylates: Certain acrylate and methacrylate-based resins are formulated to reduce shrinkage. These resins are often modified to include more flexible molecular structures or higher molecular weight compounds that help balance shrinkage.

· Epoxy Acrylates: Epoxy acrylates tend to offer lower shrinkage compared to standard acrylates. They provide better dimensional stability after curing and are widely used in applications such as coatings for electronics and automotive finishes.

· Polyester and Polyurethane Resins: Modified polyesters and polyurethanes can also be tailored to reduce shrinkage. These resins may be used in UV coatings that require a balance between low shrinkage and high performance in terms of hardness and adhesion.

Low Shrinkage Monomers

· Multifunctional Monomers: Monomers with multiple reactive sites, such as pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETIA) or trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), tend to reduce shrinkage. These monomers promote stronger crosslinking networks, which help to compensate for shrinkage by creating a denser network structure.

· Cationic Photoinitiators: Cationic photoinitiators are used in UV formulations that cure via a different mechanism compared to free radical-based systems. These initiators often result in lower shrinkage because they facilitate more controlled polymerization, leading to less volume contraction during curing.

Incorporation of Low Shrinkage Additives

· Shrinkage Modifiers: Some additives, such as shrinkage modifiers or reactive diluents, can help reduce shrinkage by promoting more efficient polymerization or by modifying the resin structure to limit volume loss. These additives can be incorporated into formulations to minimize shrinkage effects.

· Plasticizers: The addition of plasticizers can also help reduce shrinkage by increasing the flexibility of the cured material. While plasticizers may reduce hardness and mechanical strength, they can be useful for specific applications requiring lower shrinkage without sacrificing flexibility.

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