Focus on Advanced Kinetic Modeling of Photo-induced Curing with UV Light Intensity

Materials with well-defined properties can be transformed by chemical reactions into other substances with different properties. These reactions can take place in a fraction of a second, as in explosions, or over hundreds of thousands of years, as in the formation of minerals. This is because processes such as Decomposition reactionA decomposition reaction is a thermally induced reaction of a chemical compound forming solid and/or gaseous products. decomposition, Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing, CrystallizationCrystallization is the physical process of hardening during the formation and growth of crystals. During this process, heat of crystallization is released.crystallization, and SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering of materials depend on time and temperature. Knowing the rate of these processes is therefore important for simulating material behavior or optimizing a process.

Kinetics, also called reaction kinetics or chemical kinetics, studies the rate of chemical processes and allows the determination of reaction rates. It also takes the factors that control these reactions into account. One of the most important factors is temperature. This knowledge can even save lives, for example, in industrial chemical processes based on ExothermicA sample transition or a reaction is exothermic if heat is generated.exothermic reactions.

The state-of-the-art NETZSCH Kinetics Neo software simulates these temperature-dependent processes on the basis of small amounts. The release Kinetics Neo 3.0 comes now with many new features!

What is New in NETZSCH Software Kinetics Neo Version 3.0?

This release consists of the following additions:

Intensity of UV light as an additional parameter in kinetic analysis allows for creating common kinetic models depending on temperature and light intensity
Partial pressure of gaseous reactant as a new possibility to create common kinetic model depending on temperature and partial pressure
Total pressure as additional parameter in kinetic analysis for reactions in inert gas
Projects for arbitrary data types, which are non-standard in Kinetics Neo, like mass spectrometry, concentrations, conversion, storage modulus, absorbance
Kinetics for Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing reactions with diffusion control, measured by DEA or Rheology
Reaction type reversible reactions
New reaction type DFn for diffusion with reaction of n^th-order
Kinetics for incomplete measured data, where a final part of reaction is not given or can't be measured.
User Interface (UI) is reworked for a consistent native look in Windows 11 including dozens of new colorful themes

Let’s now dive deeper into one of the new features: The intensity of UV light as additional parameter in kinetic analysis.

Advanced Kinetic Modeling of Photo-induced Curing with UV Light Intensity

UV light Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing technology has revolutionized various industries by using ultraviolet (UV) light to trigger rapid chemical reactions that harden or set materials such as adhesives, coatings, and polymers. Unlike traditional Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing methods, which primarily rely on temperature, photo-induced Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing processes are strongly influenced by the intensity of UV light.

With the new unique features of Kinetics Neo Software, users can now describe kinetic models that consider both temperature and UV light intensity. This dual-parameter modeling allows for better optimization and control of curing processes.

Figure: Users can now describe kinetic models that consider both temperature and UV light intensity.

By using different UV light intensities, Kinetics Neo Software can accurately describe the data and predict the curing behavior at different UV light intensities. The figure below illustrates the relationship between UV intensity and curing reaction at a constant temperature.

Figure: Illustration of the relationship between UV intensity and curing reaction at a constant temperature.

The experiment involved IsothermalTests at controlled and constant temperature are called isothermal.isothermal Dielectric Analysis (NETZSCH DEA instrument) measurements conducted at 30°C, with varying UV light intensities ranging from 36 mW/cm² to 300 mW/cm²

Applications Across Key Sectors

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing: Layer-by-layer curing of photopolymers for precise and durable 3D printed objects.
Automotive Industry: Coatings for enhanced scratch resistance and UV protection.
Medical Devices: UV-cured coatings for medical devices like catheters, stents, and dental fillings.
Packaging Industry: UV-cured inks and coatings for food-safe, durable labeling and packaging.

Application Example: 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing processes: Layer-by-layer curing of photopolymers for precise and durable 3D printed objects.

Key Advantages of UV Light Intensity by Using the Kinetics Neo Software

Faster Production Cycles: By optimizing both UV intensity and temperature, manufacturers can reduce curing times, leading to quicker production cycles and higher throughput.
Cost Efficiency: Adjusting UV light intensity and temperature allows manufacturers to optimize energy usage, reducing operational costs without compromising product quality.
Sustainability: Optimizing the curing process helps minimize waste and emissions caused by over-curing or material defects, contributing to more environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices.

UV light curing technology has proven to be a game changer across various industries, and with the latest advancements in kinetics modeling, manufacturers now have the tools to optimize and predict these processes like never before. The Kinetics Neo Software by using UV light intensity data, empowers businesses to refine curing processes, cut costs, enhance performance, and promote sustainability.

For further information, please visit also:

https://youtu.be/HPXi62wSIBo?t=1787 – the webinar “Kinetics Neo 3.0: Major Release with Innovative New Features (Gas Influence, Pressure and more)” with detailed information about “Thermosets, Composites, and Photopolymers: Advanced curing kinetics, including diffusion control (DEA, Rheology) and UV intensity considerations (DSC, DEA).
Modeling of the curing kinetics of acrylate photopolymers for additive manufacturing - Setter - 2023 - Polymer Engineering & Science - Wiley Online Library
Visit the website: Kinetics Neo - NETZSCH Kinetics Neo

Please accept Marketing Cookies to see that Video.

Share this article: