Radiant-Cured Adhesives
  Technology Review Summary

The following summarizes the major findings for radiant-cured adhesives based on review of the literature.

• COST ADVANTAGES: With all factors considered, including performance, capital equipment costs, and environmental and health benefits, significant cost savings may be achieved by implementing radiant-cured adhesive technologies. (Ref. 6)

• CASE STUDIES: Some limited case study information describing the implementation of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) is available and can be found from periodicals like Adhesives Age, reports developed by the EPA’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory, or adhesive suppliers.

• EVALUATION: When comparing alternative systems, managers must take many issues into consideration, including: costs (capital equipment, raw material); performance requirements (durability and manufacturing efficiency); environmental/safety impacts (waste generation, regulatory compliance, workplace risks); energy consumption; and production requirements (floor space and operator staffing). (Refs. 4, 6)

• INDUSTRY TRENDS: There is increased pressure to reduce or eliminate VOC emissions from adhesive coating applications, as well as growing demand for adhesive use in high technology and specialty applications. Alternatives to solvent-based adhesives, including radiant-cured adhesives, are expected to increase as a result of these drivers. (Ref. 2)

• RESEARCH NEEDS: More research is necessary to improve understanding of individual cost components of radiant-cured adhesives, such as regulatory and energy costs. Research and demonstrations of technical and operational improvements of alternatives would also be helpful to manufacturers considering conversion to alternative adhesive technologies including radiant-cured adhesives.

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