Mechanical and Chemical Resistance of UV Coating Systems Prepared under Industrial Conditions

Abstract

In the upcoming years, it is expected that more furniture will be built from honeycomb panels due to the growing demand for lightweight, long-lasting furnishings. High-density fiberboard (HDF), previously used in the furniture industry as back walls in box furniture or drawer components, has become a popular facing material used in the production of honeycomb core panels. Varnishing the facing sheets of lightweight honeycomb core boards with the use of analog printing technology and UV lamps is a challenge for the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selected varnishing parameters on coating resistance by experimentally testing 48 coating variants. It was found that the interactions between the following variables were crucial in achieving adequate resistance: lamp power, the amounts of varnish applied, and the number of layers. The highest scratch, impact, and abrasion resistance values were observed for samples with optimal curing provided by more layers and maximum curing with 90 W/cm lamps. Based on the pareto chart, a model was generated that predicted the optimal settings for the highest scratch resistance. Resistance to cold liquids made with a colorimeter increases with lamp power.