Accelerated weathering of UV/EB curable clearcoats

This study provides data regarding the behaviour of four UV- and EB-curable clearcoats - with or without light stabiliser additives - under accelerated weathering. The experimental data obtained from the weathered samples were evaluated and correlated to the formulation composition, type of radiation (UV or EB), radiation dose, and time in the ageing chamber. The results show that the EB-cured films have a better resistance to photoinduced weathering effects than do UV cured films. The UV/EB films with light stabilisers have shown greater stability than their counterparts with no additives. The ageing effects were evaluated by assessing parameters such as hardness, gloss, yellowness index, and changes in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy absorption bands.