Page 23 - PR 2014 2016 03 Applications of Ionizing Radiations

Applications of Ionizing Radiations | Progress Report 65

electron beam, for printing or decoration in
plastic packaging products of short lifetime,
which are biodegradable or not. Six coatings
(varnish and inks in five colors: yellow, blue,
white, black and red), three pro-degrading
agents (cobalt stearate, cerium stearate and
manganese stearate), five polymeric sub-
strates (Ecobras®, low density polyethylene
and its respective modifications with pro-de-
grading agents). The coatings were applied
to the substrates and cured by ultraviolet
radiation or electron beam, resulting in 180
samples. These materials were then exposed
to accelerate aging chamber, type “QUV”,

Figure 36. Sample composting under natural environment at
Michigan State University.

Figure 35.Preparation of polymeric coating for EB curing under
inert N2 atmosphere.

Reduction of environmental impact
generated by UV/EB radiation-cured
print inks coatings on post-consuming
biodegradable plastic packaging

The high level of pollution generated by the
inadequate disposal of polymeric materials
has motivated the search for environmentally
friendly systems and techniques such as the
application of biodegradable polymers and
the replacement of the solvent-based paint
systems by those with high solids content,
based water or cured by UV or EB radiation
practically free of volatile organic compounds,
VOC. However, the cured polymer coatings
are neither soluble nor molten, increasing
the complexity of the reprocessing, recycling
and degradation. Thus, this work aimed to
develop print inks modified with pro-degrad-
Figure 37. Plant grow test using organic compost/soil after
ing agents, cured by ultraviolet radiation or biodegradation process of cured coatings.