Some Recent Approaches To the Development of Acrylic Uv Curable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

Abstract

The goal of this program was to utilize ultraviolet radiation (UV) to cure a series of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) which would provide properties suitable for "light duty" to "permanent" pressure-sensitive applications. A variety of chemical types were represented among the 36 commercial resins which were screened as tackifiers. Utilizing some of the most promising tackifiers, systematic experimental designs were utilized to evaluate formula composition variables and radiation dosage. Trends in performance vs. type and amount of constituents were developed for oligomers, diluent monomers, cross-linking monomers and other additives—along with variations in light intensity and exposure time. Other formulating approaches were also taken, including "one-step" approaches. A number of diverse compositions are presented as a basis for a discussion of formulation parameters.