Thermally Stable, UV Curable Epoxy System UV15

Master Bond UV15 is a high strength, low viscosity, epoxy based UV curable system for bonding, sealing and coating. Epoxy based UVs can be described as having a “cationic” curing reaction. This kind of system will have lower shrinkage (1-2%) and higher temperature resistance than the majority of UV systems, which cure by a “free radical” mechanism.

Master Bond UV15 is a high strength, low viscosity, epoxy based UV curable system

UV15 will cure quickly and easily when exposed to a UV light source with a wavelength range between 320-365 nm, with no oxygen inhibition. The energy required is typically 20-40 milliwatts/cm². The rate of cure depends upon the distance of the light from the material being cured, the thickness of the section and the intensity of the light source. It typically cures in thicknesses of a few microns to 0.015-0.020 inches in 15-30 seconds or less.

Cationic Adhesive Systems

Cationic systems, such as UV15, tend to have much higher temperature resistance than other UV type systems. The service temperature range for this system is -80°F to +350°F.  Its glass transition temperature (Tg) with a straight UV cure is 90-95°C, and when post cured for 30 minutes at 125°C, the Tg is 125-130°C. This post cure also enhances UV15’s chemical resistance. UV15 has excellent resistance to a wide variety of chemicals including water, acids, bases, fuels and many solvents. It is important to note that UV15’s low viscosity allows it to be spin-coated.

Recently, I recommended this product for a spin coating application involving very high temperatures. In the prototype phase, the customer evaluated a two component system with a very long cure time. Also, the viscosity of this two component system was not low enough for use in such applications. UV15 eliminated the need for mixing and it was a great fit due to its very low viscosity, extremely fast cure property under UV light, and very high Tg. UV15 worked extremely well in their application, and the customer was able to achieve a coating thickness of a few microns.

Venkat Nandivada, Technical Advisor, Master Bond Inc.  

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Master Bond Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Master Bond Inc.