Recent investigations in the UV-inert technology

The hardening of coatings by high-energy radiation is still a relatively ne w technology. The use of ultra-violet radiation in particular only really s tarted to gain acceptance in the 1980s following the development of suitabl e binders, initiators and curing equipment, and has been growing at an abov e-average rate ever since. By curing in an inert atmosphere, the two big advantages of UV technology - low VOC emissions and economic processing - become even more attractive. T his paper will focus on the new UV-Inert technology and provides recent res ults of an investigation on formulation and practical aspects like yellowin g and improved surface properties of films radiation cured under inert cond itions.