Performance Capabiltiy of Waterborne UV-Curable Emulsions for Wood Substrates

By Laurie Morris , Katie Gaynor

UV -curable technology is the fastest growing coating type in the wood segment with an estimated annual growth rate of 9%, almost three times the growth rate of other technologies. Currently, this chemistry represents less than a tenth of the total wood coatings segment value, and therefore has a large market potential. This wood coatings segment includes such applications as kitchen cabinets, furniture, and flooring.

As seen in Figure l, this market segment represents one of the highest percentages of the UV coatings market, and is therefore a desired market for UV coatings and raw material suppliers. UV chemistry in wood coatings is gaining market share because it enables the end user to increase production efficiency while lowering solvent emissions. It also has the advantage of requiring only a small equipment footprint, so less floor space needed.

The overall system for the coating applicator is cost effective because of increased production speeds and lower energy costs. There is also the cost advantage of a quicker inventory turnover of coated parts as UV cure offers the benefits of excellent chemical and block re­sistance, which allows for stacking, packing, and ship­ping right off the production line.

Although there are many advantages in switching to UV cure, the applica­tor must overcome several obstacles, including higher equipment costs, higher raw material costs, and the in­ability to properly cure thick films or complex geome­tries