Two-step curing processes for coating application

Two novel two-stage cure processes will be described, both involving oxetane chemistry. In both processes, the two consecutive cure processes are completely separated from one another. In the first process, two UV-initiated cure steps are combined, which are separated through their different polymerization mechanisms, i.e., free-radical and cationic. Possible application areas include deformable coatings, e.g., abrasion-resistant coatings and coil coatings. The second process refers to the combination of a covalent cationic cross-linking step and a supramolecular, reversible cross-linking step (through metal–ligand interaction). This could lead to a novel class of coatings with unprecedented rheological properties, with potential applications as "self-healing" coatings. Examples of these processes will be described in detail.