Abstract The invention disclosed is directed to a method for overcoating which includes applying to a substrate a novel photocurable lacquer composition having as essential ingredients a polyene selected from a particular group of polyenes which contain at least 2 reactive unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds per molecule, a polythiol containing 2 or more thiol groups per molecule and a resin component; and thereafter exposing the applied composition to actinic radiation for a period of time sufficient to photocure the applied composition to provide an overcoating. Optionally, a sensitizer may be included if desired to decrease curing time and improve efficiency. The method is particularly useful for high speed overcoating printed metal articles such as cans. Overcoatings thus provided are found to be characterized by high strength, good scratch resistance, freedom from tackiness and excellent transparency.
A PHOTOCURABLE LACQUER COMPOSITION COMPRISING (A) A POLYTHIO COMPONENT CONTAINING AT LEAST 2 - SH GROUPS PER MOLECULE (B) THE ADDUCT OF 2 MOLES OF DIALLY MALATE PER MOLE OF TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE AS POLYENE; THE RELATIVE AMOUNTS OF POLYENE TO POLYTHIOL BEING SELECTED SUCH THAT THE MOLE RATIO OF ENE TO THIOL IS FROM ABOUT 0.2:1 TO ABOUT 5:1; (C) FROM ABOUT 0.005 TO ABOUT 50 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF THE COMPOSITION OF A PHOTOCURING RATE ACCELERATOR COMPONENT; (D) FROM ABOUT 1 TO ABOUT 50 PARTS BY WEIGHT PER 100 PARTS BY WEIGHT OF THE POLYENE-POLYTHIOL COMBINATION OF A POLYESTER-POLYENE PREPARED BY REACTING (A) PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE AND (B) ETHYLENE GLYCOL TO FORM A POLYESTER RESIN AND CAPPING SAID POLYESTER RESIN WITH (C) TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE DIALLYL ETHER, THE MOLE RATIO OF (A): (B): (C) BEING ABOUT 3.1:3.1:0.02.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A PHOTOCURABLE LACQUER COMPOSITION COMPRISING (A) A POLYTHIO COMPONENT CONTAINING AT LEAST 2 - SH GROUPS PER MOLECULE (B) THE ADDUCT OF 2 MOLES OF DIALLY MALATE PER MOLE OF TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE AS POLYENE; THE RELATIVE AMOUNTS OF POLYENE TO POLYTHIOL BEING SELECTED SUCH THAT THE MOLE RATIO OF ENE TO THIOL IS FROM ABOUT 0.2:1 TO ABOUT 5:1; (C) FROM ABOUT 0.005 TO ABOUT 50 PERCENT BY WEIGHT OF THE COMPOSITION OF A PHOTOCURING RATE ACCELERATOR COMPONENT; (D) FROM ABOUT 1 TO ABOUT 50 PARTS BY WEIGHT PER 100 PARTS BY WEIGHT OF THE POLYENE-POLYTHIOL COMBINATION OF A POLYESTER-POLYENE PREPARED BY REACTING (A) PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE AND (B) ETHYLENE GLYCOL TO FORM A POLYESTER RESIN AND CAPPING SAID POLYESTER RESIN WITH (C) TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE DIALLYL ETHER, THE MOLE RATIO OF (A): (B): (C) BEING ABOUT 3.1:3.1:0.02.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein the polythiol has a molecular weight in the range from about 100 to about 20,000.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composition of claim 1 wherein the polyester has a molecular weight in the range from about 500 to about 100,000.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for overcoating which comprises applying to a substrate the lacquer composition of claim 1, and thereafter exposing the applied composition to ultra violet radiation in the wave length range from 100 to 3,800 Angstroms for a period of time sufficient to photocure the composition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for overcoating which comprises applying to a substrate the lacquer composition of claim 2, and thereafter exposing the applied composition to ultra violet radiation in the wave length range from 100 to 3,800 Angstroms for a period of time sufficient to photocure the composition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for overcoating which comprises applying to a substrate the lacquer composition of claim 3, and thereafter exposing the applied composition to ultra violet radiation in the wave length range from 100 to 3,800 Angstroms for a period of time sufficient to photocure the composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the applied composition is from about 0.1 to about 2 mils in thickness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the lacquer composition is applied to a printed substrate.