abstract |
The gloss of energy-curable coating and ink compositions is reduced by exposing such compositions to actinic radiation in an oxygen-rich atmosphere at differential intensity levels. The intensities are selected to effect at a first intensity range substantially complete cure of the composition except for the surface, with final cure of the surface being effected subsequently at a different and higher intensity range. Gradient Intensity Cure can be employed with substantially any composition which is curable by free radical-induced addition polymerization using a photosensitizer-photoinitiator photocatalyst system. |