The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its chemicals regulations to adapt through the 18th Adjustment on Technical Progress (ATP)
CLP Regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures Regulation). The amendment removes trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) from
Classified as a Category 2 carcinogen effective December 1, 2023, necessitating a switch to TMPTA alternatives in UV curing systems. Perstorp is one of the frontrunners in this transformation, offering high-performance alternatives to TMPTA, with alkoxylate-based acrylates becoming a prominent alternative.
ReplacingTMPTA: The new standard in UV curing
As one of the most commonly used monomers, TMPTA has long been a cornerstone of the UV curing industry. Monomers are key ingredients in all solvent-free UV formulations and act as reactive diluents, reducing viscosity and increasing reactivity. TMPTA’s versatility and fast-curing properties make it a popular choice for a variety of applications, from adhesives and inks to coatings. TMPTA’s ability to form a strong cross-linked network when exposed to UV light greatly increases the efficiency of the UV curing process. However, recent developments have revealed potential health and environmental risks associated with TMPTA, prompting the need for alternatives.
Due to TMPTA’s new Class 2 carcinogen classification, there is clear industry demand for alternatives. Perstorp, the world’s leading supplier of TMPTA, immediately began looking for safe alternative materials that would meet newly established safety standards while delivering high-performance results.
What are the alternatives toTMPTA?
The development of Perstorp’s TMPTA replacement is based on extensive research and development work with a focus on safety, sustainability and performance. One of the promising solutions that have emerged to address the challenges of TMPTA is alkoxylate-based acrylates. Alkoxylates are a class of compounds known for their versatility and compatibility with a variety of applications, including UV curing. These compounds provide compelling alternatives to TMPTA for the following reasons:
Safety: Alkoxylate-based acrylates offer a safer option for UV curing processes as they do not have any carcinogen classification. This shift toward safer materials aligns with the changing regulatory environment and underscores the industry’s commitment to worker and end-user health.
Properties: Alkoxylate-based acrylates have similar properties to TMPTA in terms of dilution effect, reactivity and cross-linking. This ensures that coatings, adhesives and inks continue to maintain high levels of durability and quality.
Versatility: Alkoxylates can be customized for a variety of applications in the UV curing industry. Their versatility allows for customization, ensuring they can be a safe alternative to TMPTA in a variety of formulations.
How do I transition toTMPTA-freeformulas?
In short, the 18th Technical Progress Adjustment (ATP) Amendment to CLP has catalyzed the transformation of the UV curing industry. Perstorp, a leading supplier of TMPTA, quickly identified alkoxylates as a safe alternative to meet this new need. The company’s vast alkoxylate portfolio and ability to innovate for different formulation needs demonstrates Perstorp’s commitment to providing options for UV curing professionals looking for safety and sustainability.
Transitioning to a TMPTA-free formula doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Perstorp provides support for an easy transition to safer UV curing solutions.
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