Paint Curing in Cold Weather
Paint curing in cold environments presents significant technical hurdles, with cure times extending beyond 24 hours when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F). Traditional solvent-based and water-based coatings struggle to achieve proper film formation and cross-linking, leading to incomplete curing, reduced durability, and surface defects that can compromise the coating's protective properties.
The fundamental challenge lies in achieving complete polymerization and cross-linking reactions at low temperatures while maintaining the coating's essential performance characteristics.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dual-curing systems combining UV and thermal activation, specialized photoinitiator formulations for low-temperature environments, and novel epoxy-thiol technologies that enable consistent curing at reduced temperatures. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in industrial settings where maintaining optimal curing conditions may not be feasible.
1. Epoxy Methacrylate Monomer and Thiol-Functional Compound Dual-Curing Composition
HENKEL AG & CO KGAA, 2024
Dual-curing epoxy methacrylate monomer and thiol-functional compound composition for photocurable coatings. The composition combines the rapid curing properties of actinic radiation with the thermal curing capabilities of heat. The composition comprises an epoxy methacrylate monomer and a thiol-functional compound, which together form a dual-curing system that can cure both through actinic radiation and heat. The composition can be cured by exposure to radiation, including UV and visible light, and by thermal processing. The thiol-functional compound enhances the curing process by facilitating the formation of cross-links between the epoxy methacrylate monomer and the thiol-functional compound.
2. UV-Infrared Dual-Curing Varnish Coating with Trifunctional Aliphatic Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomers
GUANGDONG SIFANG VICTORY NEW MAT CO LTD, 2023
Low-temperature curing UV-infrared dual-curing varnish coating for automotive applications that addresses traditional dual-curing challenges while maintaining superior performance. The coating combines the benefits of UV and infrared curing through a proprietary dual-curing process that enables low-temperature curing while maintaining excellent wear resistance and weather resistance. The formulation comprises a trifunctional aliphatic polyurethane acrylate oligomer, a high hydroxyl value polyurethane acrylate oligomer, and an acrylate oligomer containing primary hydroxyl groups.
3. Alkyd Resin Paint with Rapid UV-Curable Composition and Specific Catalyst-Additive System
SHANGHAI ABAO IND CO LTD, 2023
A quick-drying, UV-cured alkyd resin paint for industrial applications, particularly in large-scale manufacturing processes like suspended UV curing furnaces. The paint combines the benefits of conventional alkyd resins with enhanced curing characteristics, allowing for faster drying times compared to traditional UV-cured coatings. The preparation method involves a novel combination of specific catalysts and additives that facilitate rapid polymerization and cross-linking reactions, while maintaining the film's optical clarity and mechanical properties.
4. Thermo-Optical Coating with Dual-Curing Mechanism Using Epoxy Resin and Photoinitiator System
JIANGXI HAOZE OPTICAL FILM TECH CO LTD, 2023
Thermo-optical dual-curing and shaping coating with enhanced mechanical properties through controlled dual curing. The coating combines a thermosetting epoxy resin base with a photoinitiator-based latent curing agent, which undergoes light-induced polymerization while the epoxy resin undergoes thermal curing. This dual-curing process enables the coating to achieve improved mechanical properties such as hardness and flexibility while maintaining thermal stability. The coating can be shaped using conventional thermal curing methods, with the curing process controlled by light exposure.
5. UVC Curing System with Controlled Environment and Specialized Resin Formulation
ZHONGZI LIGHT SOURCE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
UVC curing technology for coatings using a controlled environment that enables efficient curing through precise composition formulation. The process employs a specialized formulation of polyurethane and epoxy resins, additives, and photoinitiators, which are precisely proportioned to achieve optimal curing properties. The formulation is applied to a substrate through a high-speed spraying system, where the UVC curing process is carried out within a specially designed enclosure. The curing environment is maintained at optimal conditions to ensure consistent curing performance, while the formulation's additives provide improved handling properties and surface finish.
6. Light-Cured Coating System with Pyrrole Ketene Photoinitiator for Sunlight-Induced Polymerization
CHONGQING UNIVERSITY OF POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS, 2022
A light-cured coating system for outdoor applications that enables curing in natural light environments. The coating comprises a photoinitiator comprising a pyrrole ketene structure, which is combined with a photoinitiator system that enables curing under sunlight. The photoinitiator system comprises a pyrrole ketene compound and a photoinitiator system that initiates polymerization upon exposure to light.
7. Epoxy-Based Curing System with Bifunctional Epoxy and Difunctional Thiol for Dual Radiation and Heat Activation
DELO IND GMBH & CO KGAA, 2020
A one-component epoxy-based curing system that combines radiation curing and heat curing properties. The system comprises a bifunctional epoxy compound, a difunctional thiol as a curing agent, a radiation-curable compound, photoinitiator, accelerator, and stabilizer. This composition achieves stable curing at room temperature through radiation curing followed by heat curing, with curing times ranging from 10 to 90 minutes. The system enables efficient bonding, coating, and casting applications for optical and electronic components, particularly in applications requiring dimensional stability during curing.
8. Cationically Curable Resin Composition with Hydrogenated Epoxy Resin, Cationically Polymerizable Component, and Thermal Initiator
THREEBOND CO LTD, 2019
Cationically curable resin composition with enhanced storage stability and low-temperature curing capabilities. The composition comprises a hydrogenated epoxy resin, a cationically polymerizable component, and a thermal initiator. The epoxy resin provides excellent adhesion and sealing properties, while the cationic polymerizable component enables photocuring at room temperature. The thermal initiator enables low-temperature curing without the need for heat application. This composition combines the benefits of cationic polymerization with the advantages of photo-curing and low-temperature curing, making it suitable for applications requiring these properties.
9. Fiber Coatings with Photosensitizer-Enhanced Photoinitiator-Curable Monomers and Mechanical Interlocking Features
CORNING INC, 2019
Fiber coatings exhibiting high tensile toughness and fast cure speed for optical fibers. The coatings contain a photosensitizer that enhances the photoinitiator-curable monomer reaction rate, enabling rapid curing while maintaining high mechanical properties. The coatings achieve superior tensile strength through a combination of enhanced mechanical interlocking between the primary and secondary coatings, as well as improved stress dissipation mechanisms.
10. Dual-Curing Method for Acrylic Formulations Using Combined Thermal and Photoinitiated Processes
DYMAX CORP, 2019
Method for curing acrylic formulations through controlled thermal and photoinitiated curing processes. The method involves combining acrylic polymerizable compounds, thermal initiators, photoinitiators, and peroxides in a specific ratio to achieve a controlled curing process. The peroxide decomposes under UV light, generating a first curing agent. After initial curing, the mixture is cooled below the peroxide decomposition temperature to initiate a second curing process. This controlled dual-curing approach enables precise polymerization and cross-linking of the acrylic polymer, overcoming traditional limitations of high-temperature curing.
11. Photothermal Dual-Cure Coating with UV and Heat Cross-Linking for Enhanced Mechanical Properties on Dark Plastic Surfaces
HUIZHOU JIAQI COATINGS CO LTD, 2018
Photothermal dual-cure plastic coating for dark single-coated plastic surfaces that combines a hard, wear-resistant film with enhanced performance characteristics. The coating employs a photothermal curing system that combines ultraviolet light with heat to cross-link the prepolymer, achieving superior mechanical properties and durability compared to traditional single-coat systems. The dual-cure process enables the formation of a hard, wear-resistant film that meets the requirements of household appliance coatings, while the photothermal mechanism ensures efficient curing through the prepolymer.
12. Ultraviolet Curing Paint with Photoinitiator System for Oxygen-Independent Polymerization
Jiangsu Yangrui New Material Co., Ltd., JIANGSU YOUNGEREE NEW MATERIAL CORPORATION, 2018
Fast drying ultraviolet curing paint for coatings that achieves rapid curing through a novel photoinitiator system. The curing process enables efficient polymerization and cross-linking in the absence of oxygen, significantly improving material performance after application. The photoinitiator system employs a specific absorption spectrum around 275 nm, which is optimized for the photoinitiator's maximum absorption wavelength. This enables the photoinitiator to initiate polymerization reactions without the formation of oxygen-inhibited radicals, resulting in improved curing kinetics and reduced surface defects.
13. Method for Rapid Solidification of Powder Coatings via Photothermal Conversion Filler Integration
TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, 2018
Method for rapidly solidifying powder coatings using photothermal effects. The method involves uniformly mixing and crushing a photothermal conversion filler with the powder coating, followed by uniform placement on the substrate. The photothermal conversion filler absorbs and releases heat through photothermal effects, enabling rapid solidification of the powder coating under infrared light, visible light, or sunlight. This approach enables fast curing of powder coatings that require low temperature curing conditions.
14. Active Energy Ray-Curable Coating Composition with Poly[(Meth)acryloyloxyalkyl] and Poly[(Meta)acryloyloxyalkyl] Isocyanurates
NIPPON PAINT AUTOMOTIVE COATINGS CO LTD, 2018
Active energy ray-curable coating composition for automotive components that combines improved durability and weather resistance with enhanced appearance retention. The composition comprises a poly[(meth)acryloyloxyalkyl] isocyanurate (polymerization initiator) with a polymerization activity that enables rapid curing through irradiation with active energy rays. The composition also contains a poly[(meta)acryloyloxyalkyl] isocyanurate (polymerization initiator) with a polymerization activity that imparts heat resistance to the cured product. The composition is formulated to provide uniform curing properties and enhanced appearance retention through controlled dispersal of the pigment.
15. Powder Coating Compositions with Epoxycycloaliphatic Resins for Low-Temperature UV-Curing on Heat-Sensitive Substrates
ACHIEWELL LLC, 2017
Powder coating compositions for heat-sensitive substrates that achieve cured properties comparable to high-temperature cured coatings through photo-initiated curing or UV-curing. The compositions contain epoxy resins prepared from epoxycycloaliphatic monomers, with additives such as flow modification agents, degassing agents, and pigments. The resins exhibit superior performance on substrates like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutadiene, which are typically unsuitable for high-temperature curing. The compositions can be cured at temperatures below 120 degrees C, enabling the production of smooth, durable, and impact-resistant coatings on these substrates.
16. Violet-Curable Coating Composition with Photosensitive Resin and Variable Amplitude Depth Profile
TAICANG MEIHANG PAINT CO LTD, 2016
Violet-curable coating with ultra-short curing time, comprising a photosensitive resin, diluent, heat stabilizer, curing agent, pigment, and filler. The formulation provides a fast curing process for violet-curable coatings, enabling production of thin films with improved working efficiency compared to conventional UV-curable coatings.
17. Formulations with Combined Thermal and Radiation Curable Components for Coatings on Complex Substrates
TUNCAY ZUHAL, 2016
Thermally and radiation-curable formulations for coatings that enable flexible, UV-stable, and durable coatings on complex substrates. The formulations combine thermally curable and radiation-curable components, enabling uniform curing across different substrate geometries. The formulations can be used as primer, intermediate layer, topcoat, clearcoat, adhesive, or sealant materials, and can be applied to various substrates including metal, plastic, glass, wood, and other heat-resistant materials.
18. Light-Curable Powder Coating with Photocatalytic Activation and Synthetic Monomer Resin
CHENGDU NASHUO TECHNOLOGY CO, 2015
A fast light-curable powder coating that achieves rapid curing through photocatalytic activation while maintaining excellent properties. The coating comprises a film-forming material, a photocatalyst, fillers, additives, and a resin that forms a polymer matrix. The resin contains a synthetic monomer that undergoes photocatalytic polymerization when exposed to UV light, enabling rapid curing while eliminating volatile solvents and environmental pollution.
19. Curable Resin Composition with Sequential Dual Thermal and Photocuring Initiation
LG HAUSYS LTD, 2015
A curable resin composition and method for creating a cured film through a novel curing sequence that enhances both conversion rates and curing times. The composition comprises a curable compound, photoinitiator, and at least two thermal initiators with different initiation temperatures. The composition undergoes initial thermal curing, followed by photocuring through light irradiation, and then undergoes a second thermal curing step after photocuring. This sequential curing process enables improved conversion rates while maintaining sufficient curing rates for the thermal initiators to maintain their activation characteristics.
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