Master Bond Launched an Innovative Cationic UV Curing System for Coatings

Date: 21/03/2024
An image of UV15RCL low viscosity cationic UV curing system

The newly-developed one part epoxy UV15RCL from Master Bond is able to change from red to clear under UV light, making it suitable for coating applications.

Master Bond has recently launched UV15RCL, a low viscosity cationic UV curing system with a special color changing function. In fact, the originally red material becomes transparent once exposed to UV light through the adhesive material.

Furthermore, by providing immediate visual feedback, the UV15RCL offers processing and handling advantages over conventional systems:

  • Curing under UV light typically takes 30-60 seconds with a broad-spectrum UV lamp that emits light with a wavelength range of 320 to 365 nm;
  • The minimum energy required is 20-40 milliwatts per cm²;
  • It has a high glass transition temperature (Tg) of 90-95°C, which can increase to 125-130°C after post-curing for approximately one to two hours at 125°C;
  • It is a solvent-free system that cures without tack and has a very low viscosity of 115-350 cps, making it ideal for spin coating.

Lastly, UV15RCL is not inhibited by oxygen and provides light transmission properties and good optical clarity, with a refractive index of 1.517. It is suitable for coating applications as it adheres well to metals and many plastics, including acrylics and polycarbonates.