Electron Beam Curing Properties of Water Based Monomer and Polymer Materials

Stephen Lapin, PCT Engineered Systems

Abstract: The electron beam (EB) curing properties of acrylate functional monomer/water solutions and polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) in water were characterized. Many of the materials showed good curing properties by EB alone without prior thermal drying. Gravimetric analysis showed effective removal of water from the films even at dose levels as low as 10 kGy. Many of the materials also showed excellent resistance to isopropyl alcohol after curing at low dose levels. The conversion of acrylate functional groups was characterized by FTIR. Potential advantages of water based EB curing systems include safe handling, low viscosity, low odor, low migration, and curing without added thermal drying.