iGM Resins Unveils Photomer SC91 for Reduced Photoinitiator UV Formulations
iGM Resins has launched Photomer SC91, a new photoactive acrylate resin designed to reduce or eliminate the need for separate photoinitiators in UV-curing systems, targeting migration-sensitive applications.
Netherlands-based iGM Resins has introduced Photomer SC91, a novel photoactive acrylate resin. This material integrates photoinitiating groups directly into its polymer backbone, effectively combining acrylate and photoinitiator functions within a single component. The company states this design chemically binds the photoinitiating element, aiming to reduce or eliminate the necessity for separately added photoinitiators in both UV mercury-lamp and UV LED curing processes.
Photomer SC91 operates as a Type II photoactive system, meaning it requires a synergistic amine or another hydrogen donor to achieve optimal curing performance. While traditional UV-curable formulations rely heavily on external photoinitiators, iGM Resins claims Photomer SC91 can achieve effective curing with minimal or no external photoinitiator addition.
The liquid resin is recommended for use at concentrations between 10% and 20% in formulations. This is intended to simplify formulation design while maintaining compatibility with various UV-curable systems. A significant aspect of this launch is the material's potential for applications with stringent migration requirements, such as indirect food-contact packaging. iGM Resins asserts that under their test conditions, no extractable photoinitiator was detectable, and the material has a molecular weight exceeding 1,000 Da, classifying it as a polymer.
Beyond packaging, iGM Resins identifies printing inks, overprint varnishes, industrial coatings, adhesives, electronics, and advanced materials as target markets for Photomer SC91. This product marks the debut of iGM Resins’ Photomer SC series, which is based on self-curable resin technology. The company is actively developing additional materials within this range to address evolving performance, sustainability, and regulatory demands, with customer feedback intended to guide future product development.
Photomer SC91 addresses a key challenge in photopolymer applications: the migration of photoinitiators. By covalently bonding photoinitiating groups, it offers a pathway to low-migration UV-curable materials. This is particularly relevant for 3D printing resins used in sensitive applications like indirect food contact or medical devices, aligning with the broader industry push for safer and more regulated additive manufacturing processes.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.