Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultraviolet light curable paint composition and method for applying and making such a composition to a substrate. Suitable substrates include glass, metals, and various plastics such as polycarbonates. The disclosed composition does not contain any significant amount of volatile organic solvents that do not become incorporated in the coating or are released to ambient after curing.

Abstract: There is provided a radiation-curable coating or packaging composition containing vinyl acrylate and one or more additional components, wherein the composition does not contain a photoinitiator, and the composition polymerizes upon irradiation. The irradiation forms a polymer that demonstrates thermal stability and abrasion resistance, and functions as a moisture barrier. The resulting polymer does not contain any photoinitiator and is therefore useful as a coating or packaging material for foods, or as a coating or packaging material for any application where the exclusion of photoinitiator, and especially residual photoinitiator, is preferred, such as an outdoor weatherable application. A feature of the invention is that the polymerization through exposure to radiation of a composition containing vinyl acrylate may also initiate the polymerization of one or more of the additional components within the composition that would not ordinarily polymerize in the absence of a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides radiation curable resin compositions that contain no or essentially no volatile organic components (VOCs), and to methods of using these compositions. The radiation curable resin compositions find particular use as coating compositions. In particular, the radiation curable resin compositions of this invention comprise a vinyl dioxolane end-capped oligomer blended with a photoinitiator.

Abstract: A fast-curing, low viscosity composition for coating an optical waveguide, more specifically, an optical fiber, and optical fibers coated therewith are disclosed. The coating composition is a radiation curable composition containing: a radiation curable oligomer, a free radical photoinitiator, and a mixture of reactive diluents including a low molecular weight (meth)acrylate having tri-, tetra-, penta- or higher functionality.

Abstract: The invention includes an optical fiber coating that exhibits the characteristics of a pressure sensitive adhesive. A viscoelastic window for the coating will include at least one set of coordinates that is within Quadrants 2, 3, or 4 or the Transition Flow Region of the Chang viscoelastic of the rheological master curves or will not include at least one set of coordinates that is not within Quadrant 1 of the Chang viscoelastic of the rheological master curves.

Abstract: A two-step method of polymerizing a composition containing a free radical photoinitiator includes the sequential steps of exposing the composition to a first radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of greater than 300 nm and, thereafter, exposing the composition to a second radiation source having a maximum spectral output occurring at a wavelength of less than 300 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable composition, comprising: a (meth)acrylate urethane compound derived from a polypropylene glycol or a propyleneoxide ethyleneoxide copolymer glycol having a molecular weight between 1,000 and 13,000 and an amount of unsaturation less than 0.01 meq/g. The liquid curable resin composition of the present invention has improved liquid stability and can produce cured products having superior mechanical characteristics by polymerization. The composition further comprises preferably a primary or secondary amine. The liquid curable resin composition can be used as a coating material for optical fibers, adhesives, and the like. The composition is particularly suitable as a coating material for optical fibers for which long-term stability is required.

Abstract: The invention provides curable organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of inorganic filler having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 3 to about 9 micrometers comprised of aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, ceramic spheres or mixtures thereof, and particles having a 50th percentile particle diameter of from about 10 to about 150 micrometers. The liquid coatings have a viscosity before curing of from about 100 cps (mPa-s) to about 70,000 cps (mPa-s) at a shear rate of 0.15 s?1. The use of inorganic filler materials of the defined type and particle size are combined with the curable organic coating to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: A composition for ink-jet recording is provided. The composition comprises a water miscible resin and a water-soluble ultraviolet curable humectant. The concentration of the water-soluble ultraviolet curable humectant may be in the range of 5% to 50% by weight. Examples of such humectants may include polyalkylen glycol acrylates, polyethers acrylates, and highly ethoxylated derivatives of acrylates.

Abstract: The invention provides organic coatings with improved scratch resistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of inorganic filler materials of a defined type and particle size which can be added to curable organic coatings to improve the scratch resistance of the coating without a negative impact on the physical and performance properties or application parameters of the original coating material.

Abstract: A method for curing an active single phase water compatible actinic radiation curable composition, comprising: irradiating a water compatible non emulsion, non dispersing compound, water, and a maleimide derivative.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising a compound (A) having at least one active energy ray curable polymerizable functional group, a fluorine-containing copolymer (B) obtained by (1) copolymerizing a polymerizable monomer (a) having a polyfluoroalkyl group and a polymerizable monomer (b) having a photo-curable functional group, or (2) introducing a photo-curable functional group into a fluorine-containing copolymer (D) obtained by copolymerizing a polymerizable monomer (a) having a polyfluoroalkyl group and a polymerizable monomer (d) having a group capable of introducing a photo-curable functional group, and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: A liquid radiation-curable composition that comprises (A) at least one polymerizing organic substance; (B) at least one free-radical polymerizing organic substance; (C) at least one cationic polymerization initiator; (D) at least one free-radical polymerization initiator; (E) at least one hydroxyl-functional compound; and (F) at least one epoxy interpenetrating polymer compound;

Abstract: Modified polyolefins are produced by reacting a functionalized polyolefin with one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds having a functional group reactive with the functional group on the polyolefin. These modified polyolefins may then polymerize in the presence of a photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and also have the capability of copolymerizing in the presence of a photoinitiator with other ethylenically unsaturated crosslinking agents upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines, and therefore may be rendered water-dispersible. The modified polyolefins of the present invention significantly improve the adhesion of paints, inks, and adhesives to various plastic and metal substrates.

Abstract: Composition which can be crosslinked under the effect of an ionizing radiation comprising a thermoplastic copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and of chlorotrifluoroethylene and an effective amount of a crosslinking promoter, such as a triallyl cyanurate or triallyl isocyanurate. Process for the crosslinking by irradiation of the crosslinkable composition under air by means of an ionizing radiation, such as &bgr;-radiation, at a dose of 10 to 100 kGray. Crosslinkable and crosslinked shaped articles, such as sheaths for electrical cables and pipes for oil products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition that includes (A) a polymer compound that has, on a side chain of a main chain polymer, through a linkage group containing a hydrogen-bonding group and a ring structure, a terminal ethylenic unsaturated bond, and is soluble or swelling in water or an alkali aqueous solution, and (B) a compound that generates radicals when exposed to light or heat. The invention further provides a thermo/photosensitive composition that includes (A′) a polymer compound that has a non-acidic hydrogen-bonding group on a side chain and is soluble or swelling in water or an alkali aqueous solution, and (B′) a compound that generates radicals when exposed to light or heat.

Abstract: To provide a photopolymerizable dental coating composition that, when applied to the surface of a dental resin material such as crown restoratives, dental fillers, and denture or denture base resins, is thoroughly cured upon irradiation with a visible light and produces a smooth, colorless and transparent cured surface after curing so that a film having superior durability, abrasion resistance and resistance to discoloration can be formed, the photopolymerizable dental coating composition includes a volatile (meth)acrylate compound, a polyfunctional acrylate as a cross-linking agent, a fluoroalkyl group constituted of at least one fluorocarbon-containing (meth)acrylate compound for improving the durability, abrasion resistance and resistance to discoloration after curing, and an acyl phosphine oxide-based polymerization initiator having a high polymerization promoting effect for monomers, which does not make the polymerized composition remain yellowish.

Abstract: A composition for actinic radiation curable nail coatings and artificial nail tips comprising a BISGMA based urethane resin, an additional polymer, a photoinitiator, and having a viscosity of greater than approximately 80,000 cps. Composition may additionally comprise other additives known in the art and also methods of application of the composition alone and with related compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition of (a) a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib) and (b) a bifunctional acrylate or methacrylate.

Abstract: A process for producing scratch-resistant coatings, encompassing the following steps: applying at least one UV-curable coating composition to at least one surface of an article to be coated, said coating composition comprising at least one polymer and/or oligomer P1 containing on average at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond per molecule, and curing the coating composition by exposure to UV radiation, which comprises conducting the curing of the coating composition under an oxygen-containing protective gas which has an oxygen partial pressure in the range from 0.2 to 18 kPa.

Abstract: A radiation polymerizable composition comprising: (A) a donor/acceptor component for forming a charge transfer complex said component being selected from the group consisting of: (iii) a bifunctional compound having an electron donor group and an electron withdrawing group and a polymerizable unsaturated group; (iv) a mixture of (a) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron donor group and a polymerizable unsaturated moiety; and (b) at least one unsaturated compound having an electron acceptor group and a polymerizable unsaturated group; and (B) a binder polymer composition.

Abstract: A photosolder resist composition of the invention is characterized by containing (A) a resin containing radical polymerization groups and carboxyl groups obtained by adding a cyclic ether group of a cyclic ether group-containing vinyl monomer to a carboxylic group of a radical copolymer containing at least isobornyl (meth) acrylate and a carboxyl group-containing vinyl monomer as monomer units; (B) an inorganic filler; and (C) a photocurable mixture of a polyfunctional acrylic monomer (c1), a cyclic ether group-containing compound (c2), and a photopolymerization initiator (c3).

Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of an adhesive system containing at least one component i) which is capable of initiating cationic polymerization and is selected from unsaturated carbonic acids and their anhydrides or acid chlorides, unsaturated phosphoric acids and their esters, unsaturated phosphonic acids and their esters, unsaturated sulfonic acids and their esters, and strong inorganic acids, and at least one component, ii) that can undergo cationic polymerisation for the hardening of radical or cationic or radical and cationically curable materials on laminated fabric which contains water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition that includes (A) a polymer compound that has, on a side chain of a main chain polymer, through a linkage group containing a hydrogen-bonding group and a ring structure, a terminal ethylenic unsaturated bond, and is soluble or swelling in water or an alkali aqueous solution, and (B) a compound that generates radicals when exposed to light or heat. The invention further provides a thermo/photosensitive composition that includes (A′) a polymer compound that has a non-acidic hydrogen-bonding group on a side chain and is soluble or swelling in water or an alkali aqueous solution, and (B′) a compound that generates radicals when exposed to light or heat.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making foams by photopolymerizing emulsions comprising a reactive phase and a phase immiscible with the reactive phase components. Foams made from water-in-oil emulsions, including high internal phase emulsion are disclosed. Articles and uses for the foams are also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the rapid in-situ curing of polymerizable materials to provide macromolecular networks and articles of manufacture that are “morphology-trapped”; that is, they exhibit a fixed phase morphology and/or molecular orientation that is locked in by the curing step. The process includes the steps of mixing together a dead polymer, a reactive plasticizer and an initiator to give a polymerizable composition; further processing the mixture in order to achieve a desired phase morphology and/or molecular orientation of the polymeric constituents; shaping the polymerizable composition into a desired geometry; and exposing the polymerizable composition to a source of polymerizing energy, without mixing, to give a final product with the desired phase morphology and/or molecular orientation locked in place.

Abstract: Ethylene copolymer elastomer compositions, acrylate rubber compositions, nitrile rubber compositions, fluoroelastomer compositions, and chlorinated olefin elastomer compositions are provided which are curable by exposure to UV radiation. The compositions are particularly suited for production of elastomeric seals using hot melt equipment and a gasketing in place technique.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the rapid in-situ curing of polymerizable materials to provide macro-molecular networks and articles of manufacture that are “morphology-trapped”; that is, they exhibit a fixed phase morphology and/or molecular orientation that is locked in by the curing step. The process includes the steps of mixing together a dead polymer or a prepolymer, a reactive plasticizer or a diulent, and an initiator to give a polymerizable composition; further processing the mixture in order to achieve a desired phase morphology and/or moelcular orientation of the polymeric constitutents; shaping the polymerizable composition into a desired geometry; and exposing the polymerizable composition to a source of polymerizing energy, without mixing to give a final product with the desired phase morphology and/or moelcular orientation locked in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocurable liquid resin composition comprising: (A) a cationically polymerizable organic compound; (B) a cationic photopolymerization initiator; (C) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (D) a radical photopolymerization initiator; (E) a polyether polyol compound having one or more hydroxyl groups in one molecule; and, optionally, includes elastomer particles having a specific particle diameter and/or an epoxy-branched alicyclic compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a stereolithographic resin composition including a photo-curable component, a resin having a function of causing a reversible, quick sol-gel phase transition based on temperature change, and a filler, and a stereolithographic method using the resin composition.

Abstract: Crosslinked polyacrylates obtained by crosslinking, induced by means of UV radiation, of a polymer mixture comprising a) polyacrylate copolymers of the following monomers a1) acrylic acid and/or acrylic esters of the following formula CH2═CH(R1)(COOR2), where R1═H or CH3 and R2 is an alkyl chain having 1-20 carbon atoms, at 70-99% by weight, based on component (a), a2) olefinically unsaturated monomers containing functional groups, at 0-15% by weight, based on component (a), a3) tert-butyl acrylate, at 1-15% by weight, based on component (a), and b) a photocationic initiator at 0.01-25% by weight, based on the overall polymer mixture.

Abstract: A liquid radiation-curable composition that comprises

Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.

Abstract: An iodonium salt compound which is colored little, can be easily synthesized in high yield, is highly sensitive to irradiation with actinic energy rays such as light, electronic beams, or X-rays, is highly soluble in monomers, and is lowly toxic; and a photocurable composition which can cure in a short time even when the counter anion is a hexafluorophosphonate, tetrafluoroborate, etc., regardless of whether it is clear or pigmented, and which gives a cured object having excellent properties. The photocurable composition is prepared by compounding an iodonium salt compound represented by the general formula (I) with a cationically polymerizable compound, a sensitizer, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric compositions that are processible and may be photochemically cured to produce crosslinked compositions useful in coating, sealants and adhesive applications. The crosslinkable composition comprises a first component having a plurality of pendent, free-radically polymerizable functional groups; a polymeric photoinitiator, and a residual content of less than 2%. The composition is melt processable at temperatures of less than or equal to 100° C.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition curable with actinic energy rays which comprises a copolymer comprising 0.1 to 30 wt. %, preferably 0.1 to 3 wt. %, structural units derived from an imide (meth)acrylate represented by general formula (1) and 70 to 99.9 wt. %, preferably 97 to 99.9 wt. %, structural units derived from an ethylenic monomer such as an alkyl (meth)acrylate having a C4-12 alkyl group. In formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl, one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen and the other is C1-4 alkyl, or R1 and R2 are bonded to each other to form a carbon ring; R3 is C1-6 alkylene; R4 is hydrogen or methyl; and n is an integer of 1 to 6. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is usable as one-pack type, has excellent storage stability, and does not necessitate any step such as heating or aging when used.

Abstract: A self-leveling finishing composition capable of providing chemically resistant low profile coatings is described. The finishing composition comprises thermoplastic resin solids and thermosetting resin solids in a weight ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 11:1 and a solvent composition comprising a solvent capable of dissolving the thermoplastic resin solids component and a solvent miscible co-solvent capable of dissolving the thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition is applied and dried to a dry-to-touch surface which is thereafter subjected to conditions capable of initiating polymerization of the component thermosetting resin solids. The finishing composition can be used as a substitute for more expensive or more labor intensive coating compositions in existing surface finishing protocols without compromise of surface quality and chemical resistance.

Abstract: A process for producing polypropylene having increased melt strength, the process comprising irradiating polypropylene with an electron beam having an energy of at least 5 MeV and with a radiation dose of from 5 to 100 kGray in the presence of a grafting agent for forming long chain branches on the polypropylene molecules.

Abstract: By means of a curing process combining thermal and UV curing it is possible, using compositions comprising (A) a coating system based on a polyacrylate polyol or polyester polyol with melamine, or a polyacrylate polyol and/or polyester polyol with a blocked or unblocked polyisocyanate, or a carboxyl-, anhydride- or amino-functional polyester and/or polyacrylate with an epoxy-functional polyester or polyacrylate, (B) an OH—, NH2—, COOH—, epoxy- or NCO-functional resin containing, in addition, at least one ethylenically unsaturated double bond, which is separated from the functional group by a spacer group, and (C) at least one photoinitiator, to obtain coatings having good surface properties.

Abstract: A single component liquid heat-curable adhesive formulation that is stable at room temperature. The formulation includes from about 5 to about 70 wt % of at least one acrylate monomer, from about 5 to about 94 wt % of an acrylate oligomer, and from about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a thermal initiator selected from the group consisting of diacyl peroxides, benzoyl peroxides and peroxy esters. A photo initiator may be included thereby rendering the stable liquid formulation to be both heat-curable and UV-curable.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which is switchable under irradiation to change from a tacky to a less tacky state which includes a switchable polymer. The polymer comprises a backbone polymeric moiety bound to a plurality of curable moieties, each of which comprises a free-radically active group and has an amine functionality. Also, the switchable polymer, processes for producing such polymers and compositions, and switchable adhesive articles comprising the adhesive compositions, such as light-switchable pressure sensitive adhesive dressings, and methods of using such articles.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and material compositions for producing objects containing in whole, or in part, biomedical polymers, especially those having dental use. Microwave sensitive material compositions are injected under pressure into a mold, the mold containing a replica of a body tissue or tissues. While hydraulic pressure is maintained on the material, a microwave source emits metered electromagnetic energy for hardening the material in the 3-dimensionally defined space. For dental and other applications, the mold making, injection and hardening are done sequentially to rapidly produce an object which accurately fits the mold.

Abstract: Light cured nail coatings that are applied to natural nails and/or artificial nail-tips for cosmetic purposes. An optional bond-enhancing compound can be used to strengthen the bond between the light curable coatings and the natural nail. Also, finishing compounds may be used to clean the surface of the uv curable coatings resulting in a high-gloss shine. The methods of applying uv-radiation curable nail coatings, bond-enhancing compounds, and finishing compounds to artificial nail-tips and natural nail are also discussed.

Abstract: A UV light-curable composition comprises: (a) a first component, said first component being UV light-polymerizable polymer having a first index of refraction; and (b) a second component, the second component being UV light-polymerizable monomer having a second index of refraction, the second index of refraction being higher than said first index of refraction; wherein the first component polymerizes slower upon exposure to UV radiation than the second component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to low intensity UV curable adhesives formulated using a blend of acrylate oligomers and monomers which are capable of bonding glass, provide improved low-yellowing properties and fast cure speed over current glass bonding adhesives, while maintaining good bond strength lo and durability comparable to, or better than, state-of-the-art glass bonding adhesives.

Abstract: Radiation-curing coating systems which contain a silanized silica, where the silane is hexamethyldisilazane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrialkoxysilane and/or glycidyloxypropyltrialkoxysilane as the silanizing agent. The radiation-curing coating systems can be used for coating derived timber boards, solid wood, wood veneers, parquet, decorative papers, decorative films, thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, mineral and polymeric glasses, metals (for example aluminium, high-grade steel, phosphated, chromated and galvanized steel sheets, copper), lacquered surfaces, printing inks and leather.

Abstract: An ink-jet ink is provided including an ink jet vehicle and a colorant. The vehicle includes at least 35% by weight radiation curable material, based on the total vehicle weight. The vehicle may but does not necessarily include a thickener. The vehicle is a paste or a solid at 20° C. and has a viscosity of less than 25 centipoise between 40° C. and 130° C.