Introducing

CureAll® Photoinitiator Compounds

into your UV-cure systems

The photoinitiation process is crucial to achieving energy cure, as are the steps of propagation and termination.  While there are many photoinitiator types available, most offer both advantages and disadvantages to an energy cure formulation.  For example, some solid types provide for excellent deep cure, including Irgacure® 819 and Lucirin® TPO. Their inclusion into the formulation can be a difficult task, however, adding considerable cost to formulating and manufacturing efforts.  As technology progresses, however, and formulators search for more technically advanced solutions, a growing number of chemists rely on CureAll® photoinitiator compounds as a cure solution.  To maximize the benefits that they offer, however, it is important that users not only understand the inherent nature of the CureAll products, but also how best to formulate with them as well.

In essence, the CureAlls can be considered  “photoinitiator cocktails;” they are combinations of raw materials that work better as one, than as individual components.  What makes CureAll technology unique is the synergy gained from maximizing photoinitiator capabilities, while minimizing the cost and effort required to use/add.  In many cases, the overall performance of products utilizing CureAll will be improved. A concise list of Features and Benefits can be seen to the right.

CureAll products are recommended to be added at “typical” photoinitiator addition rates, with an increase in add rate as hues 

become darker, or as corresponding performance parameters demand.  In those cases where the chemist seeks to replace or optimize the photoinitiator portion of a current formulation, a few simple guidelines are suggested.   

First and foremost, when comparing directly to a photoinitiator standard, the add rate of CureAll must be equilibrated via Mole Weight %.  In other words, to simply remove the current PI package and substitute a CureAll product on simple weight percent basis is not enough.  Rather, the appropriate Mole Weight Ratio (MWR) must first be determined, with the actual weight % to be added subsequently determined.  The simple formula is as follows:

To illustrate, BAPO-type photoinitiators have a molecular weight of 418-425 grams/mole.  The leading CureAll options to consider in BAPO-proven applications are CureAll 500 (molecular weight = 268 g/mole) and CureAll 1100 (MW = 262 g/mol.).   Dividing the weight of the photoinitiator to be replaced by these weights yields a Mole Weight Ratio of 1.6 (= 425/(~265).  So, if the standard formulation calls for 3% BAPO-type photoinitiator, the equilibrated suggested rate of addition for either CureAll 500 or 1100 = 4.8% by weight (= 1.6 MW Ratio x 3.0 Current Add Rate).

Because CureAll prices are substantially lower than traditional photoinitiators, this increase in use rate should not adversely effect total formulation costing.  At the same time, substantial advantages can be realized through manufacturing and processing efficiencies gained.  In many cases, an increase in cure performance should be expected.

For assistance in determining a meaningful suggested addition rate for all CureAll products, to request samples, or to discuss your application in depth, please call Trilogy Group at (630) 893-8539. Or, visit our website at www.UVadditives.com.