The Application of UV Curing Resins in Dual-curing Nail Polish
1. Ever Ray's Technical Background and Product Portfolio
At the beginning of Ever Ray launched in 2006, it emphasizes on not only the research and development, but also the production of UV-curable resins. It operates two intelligent production bases in Yunfu and Jiangmen, with an annual production capacity over 20,000 tons. Its product line includes: polyurethane acrylate (PUA), epoxy acrylate (EA), silicone-modified resins, etc...
Since it is recognized as a "Specialized, Refined, and Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprise" in Guangdong Province, Ever Ray has established a joint R&D center with universities, focusing on breakthroughs in curing efficiency and environmental friendliness.
2. The Application Value of Dual-Cure Photothermal Technology in Nail Polish
The traditional UV nail polish suffers from two major drawbacks: curing blind spots and colorant interference.
Curing blind spots: complex nail surfaces (such as side edges and uneven textures) are blocked by light, resulting in incomplete curing;
Colorant interference: dark colorants absorb UV light, reducing the depth of cure.
Dual-cure photothermal technology addresses these issues through a staged reaction:
First stage (photocuring): UV light initiates rapid surface curing (20–40 seconds);
Second stage (thermal curing): low-temperature heating (50–80°C) activates latent thermal initiators, achieving deep crosslinking.
3. Application of Ever Ray Core Resins in Dual-Cure Nail Polish
Polyurethane Acrylate (PUA)
Ever Ray's PUA resins offer the following adaptive properties:
High flexibility: provides nail polish with anti-bending properties, preventing cracking caused by nail movement;
Low-temperature reactivity: undergoes chain extension reactions with thermal initiators (such as modified imidazoles) at 50–80°C, enhancing deep adhesion.
Epoxy Acrylate (EA)
Ever Ray epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins offer the following merits:
High hardness support: pencil hardness reaches over 3H after curing (common nail polish is approximately 2H);
Dual functional group design: the acrylic double bond participates in light curing, and the epoxy group crosslinks with the hydrazide curing agent under heating to form an interpenetrating network (IPN).
Silicone-modified resin
Used to address heat aging resistance and interfacial adhesion issues:
The silicone segment improves perspiration and detergent resistance;
The acrylate end group ensures compatibility with UV systems.
4. Synergistic Photoinitiator and Thermal Initiator System
Ever Ray provides customized initiator solutions:
Ever Ray uses macromolecular photoinitiator design (such as polymer-bonded TPO) to reduce migration and meet cosmetic safety standards.
5. Production Process and Innovative Technologies
Nano-filler Dispersion Technology
Adding modified nanosilica (1–100nm):
Improves wear resistance (over 30% higher than traditional products);
Inhibits curing shrinkage stress and prevents microcracks.
Low-Temperature Thermal Curing Process
Using 50–80°C heating (much lower than the 120°C of traditional thermal curing):
Avoids high-temperature damage to the nail bed;
To shorten secondary curing time in 10–15 minutes.
6. Future Development Trends
Popularization of Visible Light Curing
Ever Ray is developing a blue light initiation system to gradually replace UV light sources and reduce light damage to nail art practitioners' hands.
Bio-Based Resin Applications
We are currently developing UV resins modified with natural rosin derivatives to enhance sustainability.
Smart Responsive Colloids
To explore the combination of temperature-sensitive color-changing resins and dual-cure systems, it is the approach to achieve dynamic temperature-dependent color changes in nail polish.
Conclusion
Ever Ray leverages its high-performance resin binder, customized initiator system, and nano-enhancement technology to achieve both efficient production and deep-drying performance in dual-curing light-and-thermal nail polish. This solution is particularly suitable for high-end salons, resolving the industry challenge of incomplete curing of dark-colored nail polishes while also complying with the EU's HEMA-free environmental regulations. With the increasing adoption of visible light curing and bio-based materials, its technological advantages will be further strengthened.
