

The Market for UV Curables is Expanding
However, there are some drawbacks that one should consider when formulating a UV curable coating or ink. The absence of solvent and speed of cure can lead to poor wetting, leveling, flow, and pigment dispersion. Due to the high cross link density UV coatings and inks can also shrink upon cure causing adhesion issues. Ultimately these issues can lead to a coating or ink with sub optimal appearance and performance.
Why Use Cellulose Esters? The Benefits are Twofold
- Increased flow and leveling for fewer surface defects
- Better gloss and reflection
- Optimal metallic and pearlescent flake alignment
- Improved pigment dispersion
- Reduced shrinkage, fewer adhesion failures
- Increased hardness and abrasion resistance
- Improved weathering and chemical resistance
- FDA approved for direct and indirect food contact


Improved Appearance


Better Performance
Eastman™ Cellulose esters (CE’s) with high butyryl content will dissolve in and tolerate common UV curable monomers such as styrene and acrylates. When formulated into UV curable applications such as inks and OPVs, CE's help improve the flow and leveling leading to surfaces with fewer defects and higher gloss. CEs will improve pigment orientation and flop allowing for brightly colored metallic and pearlescent finishes. CE's also act as fillers to help reduce the shrinkage of coatings and inks upon cross link and cure. In addition, Eastman’s cGMP compliance allow ink and coating formulations for direct and indirect food contact.
Recommended Grades
Grades | Monomer Compatibility | MW | Tg (°C) |
---|---|---|---|
CAB-381-0.1 | HDDA, TMPTA, DPGDA, TPGDA | 20,000 | 123°C |
CAB-551-0.01 | HDDA, TMPTA, DPGDA, TPGDA, IBOA, Styrene | 16,000 | 85°C |
CAB-551-0.2 | HDDA, TMPTA, DPGDA, TPGDA, IBOA, Styrene | 30,000 | 101°C |
Solus™ 2100 | HDDA, TMPTA, DPGDA | <16,000 | 75°C |
Monomer | CAB 381-0.1 | CAB 551-0.01 | CAB 551-0.2 |
---|---|---|---|
HDDA | 60 | 30 | 90 |
TMPTA | 1670 | 660 | 2,080 |
DPGDA | 110 | 40 | 140 |
TPGDA | 180 | 60 | 200 |
IBOA | I | 40 | 350 |
Styrene | I | 7 | 30 |
Value = Brookfield Viscosity at 24° C
I = Insoluble