iGM Resins has launched Photomer SC91, a new photoactive resin technology that the company says marks a significant shift in UV and LED curing systems.
The launch introduces a fundamentally different approach to photoinitiation.
The innovation is based on a self-curable acrylate resin with built-in photoinitiator functionality, designed to reduce or even eliminate the need for conventional external photoinitiators. Instead, the photoinitiating groups are chemically integrated directly into the resin backbone.
Photomer SC91 is positioned as a Type II photoactive system, combining acrylate and photoinitiator functions in a single polymeric material. The company explains that the photoinitiator component remains permanently bound within the structure, changing how curing reactions are triggered under UV Hg or UV LED light.
This integrated design is intended to address growing formulation and compliance challenges in modern UV systems, including: Reduced or eliminated need for added photoinitiators; Low migration potential for sensitive applications; No detectable extractable photoinitiator under test conditions.
The material is particularly targeted at applications such as indirect food contact packaging, where migration control is critical.
Despite its simplified chemistry, iGM Resins states that Photomer SC91 maintains strong processing performance. The resin supports curing under both UV Hg and LED systems, offers broad formulation compatibility, and is supplied in liquid form for ease of handling. Typical use levels are reported between 10 and 20 percent.
As a Type II system, it also requires a synergistic amine or hydrogen donor to achieve optimal curing performance.
The company says Photomer SC91 can be used across a wide range of UV and LED applications, including: Printing inks and packaging; Overprint varnishes; Industrial coatings;.Electronics and advanced materials.
Its versatility is intended to help formulators simplify systems while maintaining performance.
The company says the launch lays the groundwork for future innovations in UV curing systems and reinforces its focus on advancing next-generation photopolymer technologies.
