tech tip icon Ultraviolet (UV) curing polymeric adhesives, sealants, coatings, potting and encapsulation compounds offer major advantages over conventional formulations. Most significantly, they are single component systems that require no mixing and cure rapidly at room temperature upon exposure to a UV light source. Cure speeds can be achieved in seconds with a standard medium pressure, mercury vapor lamp. Production schedules are simplified due to the elimination of pot life problems and lengthy ambient temperature cures (often with post-cure requirements), or the use of oven for elevated temperature cures. Environmentally safe, these compounds are 100% reactive and have low shrinkage upon cure. Master Bond UV curing polymers consist of epoxies, acrylates, urethanes, and thiols. They are designed to have excellent adhesion to similar and dissimilar substrates. These include metals, glass, ceramics, rubbers and difficult to bond to plastics. Properties are maintained upon exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including exposure to chemicals and high temperatures. Specific properties for enhanced high performance include superior electrical insulation, impact resistance, high shear strength, dimensional stability and low stress. They are available in a variety of viscosities, flexibilities and index of refractions. Compounds are designed for medical, electronic, automotive, optical, aerospace and numerous other applications. Applications range from bonding lenses, voice coils, magnets, syringes, catheters, LEDs, headlamps, sensors, wire tacking and connectors. Master Bond’s research and development chemists have devoted much effort in creating new UV compounds to best meet the needs of our customers. One such system is UV25, a one part moderate viscosity epoxy that features a remarkably high glass transition temperature exceeding 180°C. Another one component, optically clear, non-yellowing dual cure (UV and heat) compound is UV15-7DC. The advantage of this system is the “shadowed out areas” can be cured with heat after an initial UV cure. Master Bond UV15X-5, is a unique formulation that offers high flexibility and outstanding abrasion resistance. It can also withstand thermal cycling and mechanical shock. Master Bond also offers medical grade adhesives with a wide range of viscosities and hardnesses. Storage stability for these UV systems is typically 6 months for unopened containers at ambient temperatures in the absence of UV/visible light.