EB-activated cationic curing of epoxy-silicone release coatings

Electron Beam (EB) processing in the presence of certain onium salts is providing a highly efficient alternative to ultraviolet (UV) light for curing cationic silicone release coatings. EB-curing provides the potential for stable "premium" and "differential" release at faster line speeds and lower costs than UV-processing. Excellent cures are achieved with EB-doses as little as 1-2 Mrads irrespective of line speed and unlike free-radical initiating EB systems, nitrogen inerting of the cure chamber is not required. Both EB and UV processing will be compared and contrasted according to cure response and release performance.