01/08/2009 RADIANT COLOR NV HOUTHALEN BELGIUM Technical Information RADGLO RBL SERIES UV/EB CURABLE SYSTEMS Applications: Product description Chemical composition UV/EB curable Flexo inks Offset inks RADGLO RBL bases are a unique combination of ultrafine, high strength fluorescent pigments dispersed in a vehicle system that has been especially formulated for use in energy curable inks. RADGLO RBL bases can be used to produce flexographic and lithographic, ultra-violet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curable inks that have excellent printing characteristics. RADGLO RBL bases are composed of a solid solution of dyestuffs in a thermoplastic sulphonamide-melamineparaformaldehyde resin, dispersed in a vehicle system that has been especially formulated for use in energy curable inks. RADGLO fluorescent pigments as such are not classified in the Colour Index (CI), but certain colourcomponents are. Standard colour RBL-10: Chartreuse Special colours RBL-9P1: Blue RBL-1P2: Green RBL-0P3: Yellow RBL-3P4: Orange RBL-5P5: Red RBL-7P6: Pink RBL-8P7: Magenta Physical properties Pigment concentration / type: 45-50% / thermoplastic dyed polymer Regulatory and Ecotox information Vehicle/type: proprietary energy curable system Volatile organic compounds: none Particle size: submicron Grind: > 5.5 Hegman gauge Spec. Gravity: 1.2 g/ml Bulking value: 1.2 g/ml Laray viscosity: 200-400p All components of RADGLO RBL series are registered in EINECS. All components as well as the polymeric resin of the RBL series are registered in TSCA. RADGLO RBL series is in conformity with the purity requirements of EN71 part 3. RADGLO RBL series is basically free from heavy metals. For detailed information, please consult the individual MSDS. 1
Lightfastness & Heatstability Lightfastness Fluorescent pigments are more fugitive than conventional pigments. They are stable to indoor light or outdoor conditions other than direct sunlight. By exposure to outdoor sunlight the colour will change, whereby the degree of fading is depending on following factors: - Colour of the pigment - Pigment loading and thickness of the endproduct. The higher the pigment loading and thickness, the better the lightfastness. - Type of binderpolymer - Intensity and angle of the incident sunlight. The lightfastness may be improved by including UV absorber(s) in the formulation and/or by making use of clear overcoats containing UV-absorber(s). Heatstability RADGLO RBL series can be used for short dwell times in applications with processing temperatures up to 180 C without affecting the colouristic properties. Applications & Storage Applications RADGLO RBL series are especially suitable for UV/EB curable flexo and offset inks. Based on their excellent printing characteristics, brightness and gloss, RADGLO RBL bases are especially suitable for UV/EB curable flexo and offset inks. Benefits of RBL-colours -100% solids -Easily adaptable -High pigment concentration useful for numerous substrates -Useful for most printing techniques -High acrylate functionality -High gloss prints -Stable formula -Solvent resistant prints -Available in a broad colour range Storage RADGLO RBL bases remain stable. Shelf life can be maximised by storing RADGLO RBL bases and inks at temperatures < 30 C. Packages containing RADGLO RBL bases should have a headspace of at least 10%. 2
Processing conditions & specific considerations COLOURSTRENGTH, BRIGHTNESS & FINISH Innovative vehicle technology has given RADGLO the ability to disperse a high loading of submicron fluorescent pigment particles in the RADGLO RBL bases, and yet maintain a workable rheology. PRINTING SEQUENCE Fluorescent colours are sensitive to ultra violet light used to cure the inks. Colour shift and darkening can be minimised by assigning the fluorescent colours to the last printing stations on the press. Pinks and reds are more sensitive than yellows and oranges and should be the last colours to be printed. OLIGOMERS & MONOMERS For optimum results, all oligomer and monomer combinations should be screened for colour, curing speed, printing and adhesion properties. Proper selection of oligomers, monomers and curing agents is necessary to maximise fluorescent colour brightness. Testing has shown that some acrylated urethane oligomers and acid functional, acrylated oligomers produce cleaner, brighter colours in finished ink formulations. Thorough testing is necessary to develop the best ink formulation for each application. MANUFACTURING RADGLO RBL bases and inks based upon RADGLO RBL bases contain reactive components. During the manufactureing of these printing inks, the temperature of the batch should not exceed 50 C. Consult the individual MSDS for additional information on safe handling procedures. COMBINATIONS WITH NON-FLUORESCENT COLOURS Small amounts of non-fluorescent colour can be used effectively without significantly detracting from colour brightness. Increases in colour strength will usually compensate for any loss in brilliance. Additions of 1% or less of conventional dry colour in the finished ink will result in noticeably stronger ink without a signicant change in the hue or brightness. Lightfastness will be improved with the addition of a conventional pigment of a similar hue to the fluorescent component. 3
Starting point formulations These formula are intended only as starting formula. Other adhesion promoters and/or photopolymerizable oligomers and/or photoinitiators may be used as substitutes. LITHOGRAPHIC/OFFSET PRINTING ON ALUMINIUM RADGLO RBL base 70.0 % Ebecryl 170 20.0 % Cytec Radicure Ebecryl 3608 3.0 % Cytec Radicure Darocure 1173 7.0 % Ciba Speciality Chemicals FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING ON PAPER STOCK RADGLO RBL base 60.0 % Ebecryl 81 30.0 % Cytec Radicure FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING ON POLYPROPYLENE FILM RADGLO RBL base 35.0 % IRR-1016 25.0 % Cytec Radicure Ebecryl 80 5.0 % Cytec Radicure HDODA 25.0 % IRR-1016 is used as an adhesion promoter to plastic substrates. HDOD (hexanedioldiacrylate) is used as a diluent and also as an anti-shrink agent/flexibility promoter in the cured film. Other monomers may result in superior properties for your application FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING ON POLYETYLENE FILM RADGLO RBL base 40.0 % EP-3350 20.0 % Evonik Degussa HDODA 30.0 % EP-3350 is used as an adhesion promoter to treated polyethylene film. FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING ON ALUMINIUM RADGLO RBL base 35.0 % Ebecryl 170 21.0 % Cytec Radicure HDODA 32.0 % Polyethylene wax 2.0 % 4
Available standard colours & package of the RBL series: COLOUR RBL RBL-*P* Chartreuse RBL-10 Yellow RBL-0P3 Green RBL-1P2 Orange - RBL-3P4 Red RBL-5P5 Pink RBL-7P6 Magenta RBL-8P7 Blue RBL-9P1 Similar codes in the different series offer a comparable colour but are not 100% identical. Colour may depend on the specific formulations of the customer. P* series see Pantone colours Package: 1 plastic pail = 20 kg = Minimal order = registered trademark Disclaimer: This technical information is just an advice. No warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is made. Telephone sales department: + 32 11 52 07 60 Fax: + 32 11 52 66 79 E-mail: sales@radiantcolor.be Website: www.radiantcolor.be 5