Electron beam diluents

The yields of radiation-induced polymerizations can be very high. No additives are required, which makes it possible to synthesize very pure polymers. The initiation step is temperature independent giving rise to an easily controlled process at any desired temperature. These features account for the commercial interest in radiation polymerization. The very high speeds attainable within the layers of monomers subjected to powerful electron beams explain the wide use of this technique in radiation curing of adhesives, inks and coatings. The corresponding formulations are "solvent-free" and involve pre-polymers and monomers as reactive diluents. 

Radiation Curing. The cross-linking of acrylate-modified polyester resins with U V radiation or an electron beam is an energy-saving alternative to the heat-curing systems. Reactive diluents (e.g., polyfunctional acrylates) are required to adjust the viscosity for application although they increase reactivity, they reduce the flexibility and substrate adhesion of the paint film. 

N. S. Allen, M. Edge, UV and Electron Beam CuraHe Pre-Polymers and Diluent Monomers. Classification, Preparation and Properties, in Vol. 1 of [7, p. 225. 

Uses Reaction rate accelerator copolymerizes readily with most other vinyl monomers modifies hydrophilic properties in systems incl. adhesives, coatings, cosmetics, textiles, syn. fibers, textile sizes, protective colloids, lube oil additives reactive diluent in UV- and electron beam-curable systems (coatings, inks, adhesives) aids pigment disp. (inks) intermediate for modified phenolic resins of interest as plasticizers, dye intermediates, textile assistants... 

Allen, N.S. and Edge, M. (1993) UV and electron-beam curable prepolymers and diluent monomers classification, preparation and properties, in Radiation Curing in Polymer Science and Technology, vol. I (eds J.P. Fouassier and J.F. Rabek), Elsevier Applied Science, London, Ch. 5. 

FIGURE 9 Variation of percent contribution of the KrF formation channels and the KrF formation efficiency with the excitation rate for the 1.5-atm mixture with argon diluent pumped by a 70-nsec e-beam. [Reproduced with permission from F. Kannari et al. (1983). IEEE J. Quantum Electron. QE-19(2). Copyright 1983 IEEE.]... 

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