2-Isopropylthioxanthone: An Effective Photoinitiator for UV Curing Applications

In the world of UV curing, photoinitiators play a crucial role in initiating the polymerization process. Photoinitiators are compounds that can absorb UV light and convert it into reactive species, which in turn initiate the polymerization reaction. Among the various photoinitiators available in the market, 2-isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) has gained significant attention due to its high efficiency, low toxicity, and compatibility with a wide range of monomers.

ITX is a yellow crystalline powder that belongs to the thioxanthone family of photoinitiators. It is also known by its other names such as 2-isopropyl-thioxanthen-9-one, 2-(1-methylethyl)-9H-thioxanthen-9-one, and isopropylthioxanthone. ITX has a molecular weight of 248.36 g/mol and a melting point of 89-92°C. It is soluble in many common solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and toluene.

ITX is widely used in UV-curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and resins due to its high reactivity under UV light. It is known for its fast curing speed, good surface cure, and excellent mechanical properties. ITX has been found to be effective in both free-radical and cationic polymerization systems. It can be used alone or in combination with other photoinitiators such as benzophenone, benzoin, and camphorquinone to achieve synergistic effects.

The use of ITX in UV-curable formulations has several advantages. Firstly, it can initiate the polymerization reaction at low UV doses, which results in faster curing and lower energy consumption. Secondly, it has a broad absorption spectrum that covers the entire UV range (200-400 nm), which makes it suitable for use with different types of UV lamps. Thirdly, ITX has a low volatility, which reduces the risk of air pollution and odor. Finally, ITX has a low toxicity, which makes it safe for use in food packaging and medical applications.

INNO Specialty Chemicals is a leading manufacturer and supplier of ITX in China. The company produces high-quality ITX with a purity of more than 99% and offers it in different grades such as ITX-A, ITX-B, and ITX-C. The company has a strong R&D team that continuously works on improving the performance of ITX and developing new photoinitiators for various applications.

In conclusion, ITX is a versatile photoinitiator that offers several advantages in UV-curable formulations. Its high reactivity, low toxicity, and broad absorption spectrum make it an ideal choice for various applications. The use of ITX can result in faster curing, lower energy consumption, and better mechanical properties. INNO Specialty Chemicals is a reliable supplier of high-quality ITX that can meet the specific needs of different customers.

News you might interested in