Accompanying of parameters of color, brightness and hardness on polymeric films coated with pigmented inks cured by different radiation doses of ultraviolet light

Complete text of publication follows. In the search for alternatives to traditional paint systems containing solvents, the curing process of polymer coatings by ultraviolet (UV) light has been widely studied and discussed, specially because of their high content of solids and null emission of VOCs. Radiation curing is defined as the conversion of a reactive liquid into a solid through polymerization and crosslinking reactions between the species, promoted by the interaction of the chemical system with the incident ionizing radiation. The appearance of the coated object (e.g., color, gloss) is a complex function of the light incident on the object, the optical scattering characteristic of the material, and human perception. Pigments are very fine powders being nearly insoluble in binders and solvents, but provide color and the ability to hide the underlying surface. In this context, this paper aims to investigate variations on color, brightness and hardness of UV-cured pigmented coatings by different doses. When it comes to irradiation exposition, the incorporation of pigments can preferentially cause its reflection or absorption of the incident radiation. Reflection usually occurs at the pigment surface within the resin so that the radiation has to pass through the top layers twice. Some degradation can, therefore, occur at the surface, and this is why materials frequently lose gloss on exposure.