VUV-induced micro-folding of acrylate-based coatings: 1. Real-time methods for the determination of the micro-folding kinetics

The photochemical micro-structuring of UV-curable polymer surfaces was studied. For the investigations of the kinetics of the micro-folding process, an irradiation and reaction chamber was developed, which allowed for the real-time monitoring of this process. Additional investigations by real-time FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that a certain minimum conversion of double bonds was required before the folding process could start. The effects of various parameters such as temperature, viscosity etc. on the folding behavior of various coating systems such as acrylic clear coats, nanocomposite coatings, and UV-curable powders coatings are discussed.