UV curing photoinitiators
🔍 Find UV/LED/EB curing & advanced materials
Technologies for efficient polymerization and curing processes
Radical and cationic photoinitiator systems
The Sartomer® range includes both free radical photoinitiators and cationic photoinitiators supporting distinct polymerization mechanisms.Free radical systems rely on photoinitiators that generate free radicals upon exposure to UV light or LED wavelength, enabling rapid film formation in coatings, inks and adhesives.
Cationic photoinitiators, based on onium salts and reactive cations, initiate epoxy-based polymerization, providing the advantage of low shrinkage, enhanced bond strength and chemical durability during the curing process.
SPEEDCURE range: single-component and formulated photoinitiators
The Speedcure range includes single-component and formulated UV curing photoinitiators, and cationic photoinitiators. These initiators are developed to support controlled crosslinking, improved reactivity under low-energy LED sources, and optimized surface and depth cure behavior. This versatility enables manufacturers to improve throughput and balance performance without imposing a limit on downstream processing conditions.
Market-relevant applications and material benefits
Sartomer® photoinitiators are used across diverse material applications, particularly where efficient curing and consistent polymer performance are required.
Typical markets include packaging ink, energy-curable coating technologies, structural and pressure-sensitive adhesives, and advanced material segments such as additive manufacturing and electronics. These systems support durable mechanical property development and enable tailored functional performance depending on the chosen curing process and resin family.
Key attributes and performance considerations
Sartomer®'s UV curing photoinitiator portfolio provides measurable benefits in terms of reactivity, surface quality and formulation latitude.
By optimizing absorption characteristics and controlling initiator response across relevant light wavelength ranges, the range enables consistent crosslinking behavior and reliable photopolymerizations in epoxy-based and radical chemistries.
In addition, specialty chemical compounds such as benzophenone derivatives and other tailored initiators help address specific substrate or performance requirements, including applications such as food packaging.
Photoinitiators as key components of energy-curable materials
UV curing photoinitiators, including cationic photoinitiators and free radical initiators, remain central to modern UV curing systems due to their ability to initiate polymerization rapidly under UV light and LED lamps. By supporting efficient photopolymerization, enhanced adhesion profiles and robust final polymer formation in epoxy and acrylate chemistries, photoinitiators continue to expand the scope of energy-curable materials across markets.
Partnering through the photoinitiator center of excellence
Arkema’s Sartomer® photoinitiator center of excellence in Wetherby (UK) provides an open platform for collaboration with customers and partners. The center combines formulation expertise, photoinitiator knowledge and analytical capabilities to support UV, LED and EB curing development programs. By enabling direct interaction with specialists and access to dedicated resources, the center facilitates tailored photoinitiator selection and performance optimization for energy-curable coatings, inks, adhesives and advanced materials.
Amid the increasing demand for safer solutions in coatings and inks, Arkema can offer a variety of solutions for LED curing with a reduced risk of migration. Speedcure 7010 offers high-performance and an improved sustainability profile in flexographic, offset & screen inks and industrial coatings.
Download our UV-curing photoinitiators brochure
A range of world-renowned single-component and specialist formulated photoinitiator products for UV free radical and cationic curing of resins, varnishes, coatings, and inks. Valued for their applicability across all key UV curing technologies ranging from 3D printing, specialty coatings, adhesives, and printing inks to the automotive, electronics, composites, and packaging industries.
More information about UV-curing photoinitiators
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Product catalog - SPEEDCURE Photoinitiators & UVICURE Cationic Resins
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Product selection guide - SPEEDCURE Photoinitiators & UVICURE Cationic Resins
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Low migration polymeric TX photoinitiator - SPEEDCURE 7010
Often asked to our UV-curing experts
UV and LED photoinitiators both initiate polymerization in UV-curable systems, but they are optimized for different light sources. UV photoinitiators are designed to absorb broad-spectrum ultraviolet light, making them suitable for traditional mercury or arc lamps. LED photoinitiators, on the other hand, are formulated to match the narrow wavelength output of LED lamps, typically in the 365–405 nm range. This difference ensures efficient light absorption and rapid curing. LED technology offers advantages such as lower energy consumption, reduced heat emission, and longer lamp life, making LED photoinitiators ideal for sensitive substrates and sustainable manufacturing processes. Choosing the right photoinitiator depends on your curing equipment, desired speed, and application requirements.
The selection of a UV curing photoinitiator has a direct impact on both curing speed and the final performance of the material. Different photoinitiators respond to UV light in unique ways, influencing how quickly polymerization occurs and the quality of the cured film.
There are two main categories of photoinitiators used in UV curing: free radical photoinitiators and cationic photoinitiators. Each type works through a different mechanism and is chosen based on application requirements, curing speed, and desired material properties.