Green Curing: The Rise of Bio-based Raw Materials in UV/EB Curing Systems

​In recent years, the global push for sustainability has profoundly influenced the materials science sector, particularly within ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curing technologies. Traditionally reliant on petroleum-based monomers and oligomers, these systems are now witnessing a paradigm shift towards bio-based alternatives. This transition aims to reduce environmental impact while maintaining, or even enhancing, performance standards. This article delves into the integration of bio-based raw materials in UV/EB curing systems, highlighting practical applications, supported by case studies, data, and expert insights.​

Case Studies: Applications of Bio-Based Raw Materials in UV/EB Curing

Wood Coatings with Partly Bio-Based UV-Curable Resins

Covestro has developed a range of UV-curable resins containing up to 83% bio-based content derived from natural sources such as soybean oil. These resins have been successfully applied in wood coatings for furniture and flooring, offering properties like enhanced adhesion, pigment dispersion, and a silky feel. By integrating these bio-based resins, manufacturers can achieve coatings that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly. 

Bio-Based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)

Researchers have developed UV-curable PSAs with approximately 50% biomass content, utilizing alkali lignin, cardanol, and linseed oil. These adhesives demonstrate commendable tackiness, lap shear adhesion of 166 kPa, and 180° peel strength of about 2.1 N/25 mm, making them suitable for non-structural or semi-structural applications. The incorporation of lignin not only enhances thermal stability but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based PSAs. 

Epoxidized Vegetable Oils in Cationic Curing

The substitution of traditional cycloaliphatic epoxies with epoxidized vegetable oils (EVOs) like soybean and linseed oils has been explored in cationic curing applications. While these bio-based alternatives exhibit lower reactivity and mechanical properties compared to their petroleum counterparts, ongoing research aims to optimize formulations to bridge this performance gap, offering a more sustainable solution for challenging applications. 

Bio-Based Polymers from Pulp and Paper Industry By-Products

Lignin, a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, has been utilized to create bio-based monomers suitable for UV-curing processes. These lignin-derived polymers present a sustainable pathway for producing thermosets with reduced environmental impact, leveraging industrial waste streams to develop high-performance materials. 

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The integration of bio-based raw materials into UV/EB curing systems represents a significant stride towards sustainable manufacturing in the coatings, adhesives, and related industries. While challenges such as achieving parity in performance and cost with traditional materials persist, ongoing research and collaborative efforts are steadily bridging these gaps. As technological advancements continue and the demand for eco-friendly solutions grows, bio-based alternatives are poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in the evolution of UV/EB curing technologies.

Eastomat's Bio-Based Products​

As a participant in the UV/EB curing field, Eastomat is committed to integrating sustainable development concepts into product innovation. In response to the industry's urgent demand for low-carbon materials, we have launched several high-performance bio-based products, such as Easmer IBOA, Easmer IBOMA, Easmer GPTA, and Easmer EA201. For more details, please contact our sales team. We will also release related articles in the future to provide detailed introductions to our bio-based products.