Publications in reputable scientific journals regarding the photo-physical properties of organic dyes and polymers.

Publications in reputable scientific journals regarding the photo-physical properties of organic dyes and polymers.

The photos above clearly show significant color fading in the dye-based print not covered with lacquer (liquid laminate). The print protected by Advanced Top Coat lacquer after 200 hours of UV radiation exposure looks almost unchanged compared to the original (non-exposed) sample.

The tests for UV radiation resistance

The impact of radiation on the surface of wood covered with water-based lacquer without and with a UV filter based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-powders. After 1500 hours of exposure in appropriate aging conditions, a clear difference is visible in favor of the coated surface. Precisely predicting how long a print covered with the Top Coat liquid laminate will resist UV radiation based on laboratory tests is very challenging. This is because the print's resistance depends on a large number of factors simultaneously. The behavior of a print covered with laminate differs significantly in areas of the Earth with drastically different levels of sunlight exposure, such as Northern Europe compared to Africa. Additionally, the angle formed by the print with the direction of sunlight and local climate conditions, including air humidity, industrial pollution, and the so-called 'ozone hole,' are significant factors.

The quality of UV radiation blocking is indicated by the graph of radiation transmittance as a function of wavelength shown in the figure. The nano-filter used in the Top Coat liquid laminate features a genuinely broad absorption spectrum for both UV B and UV A radiation. The Top Coat liquid laminate, as a universal coating, can be applied not only to cover inkjet prints but can also protect unconventional objects such as bathroom tiles, glass products, stone, any objects exposed to intense sunlight, etc.

A good example is the following illustration demonstrating the impact of UV radiation on wood.

The diagram provides a schematic explanation of the apparent whitening mechanism of prints when an inappropriate UV filter based on zinc oxide (ZnO) is used in the liquid laminate. Diffusive light scattering of visible light on excessively large ZnO particles causes the whitening of the print, and UV radiation is not adequately blocked. Prints covered with the Top Coat liquid laminate exhibit entirely different properties. The print does not undergo whitening because there is no diffusive light scattering on the zinc oxide nanoparticles, and UV radiation is perfectly blocked.

The graph depicts the transmittance curves of radiation for various UV filters based on zinc oxide (ZnO) as a function of wavelength. The nano-component in the Top Coat liquid laminate, compared to other products, effectively absorbs UV radiation in the range of 200 – 370 nm, while visible radiation from the 400 – 800 nm range is transmitted without significant losses. Thanks to this property, prints covered with the Top Coat liquid laminate do not fade.

The graph below shows the transmittance curves of radiation for various products containing UV filters based on zinc oxide (ZnO). An ideal UV filter should not allow UV radiation, i.e., radiation from the 200 – 400 nm range, to pass through, while visible radiation from the 400 – 800 nm range should pass without changes. As demonstrated by the measurement results, the Top Coat liquid laminate contains an excellent component for protecting any prints.

The distribution of particle quantities in zinc oxide nano-powder depending on their diameter. Such distribution ensures excellent properties of the Top Coat liquid laminate.

Photo of zinc oxide nano-powder used as a UV filter in the liquid laminate Top Coat.

Laboratory test results

Modern UV filters in laminates Prim Jet Color

The certificate for the UV resistance of Prim Jet Color laminates

The company Prim Jet Color has developed and produced a liquid laminate called Top Coat, which boasts UV resistance lasting up to 6 years! This is an unprecedented and groundbreaking achievement in the production of liquid laminates. It was accomplished through extensive research into the optimal protective formula and advanced testing. The success was made possible through the collaboration of Prim Jet Color with Antaria, a global leader in the production of plastics and UV filters.

The key to success was the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles as a UV filter in Prim Jet Color laminates. The nanoparticle technology, known as NanoZTM and developed and patented by Antaria, represents the best and most advanced method of UV protection currently known.

The effectiveness of the protective properties of Prim Jet Color laminates has been confirmed through thorough testing conducted on behalf of Prim Jet Color in specialized laboratories.

"We have been searching for the right laminate formula that would provide exceptionally long UV protection while enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the protected prints. Thanks to our collaboration with Antaria, we have created a product for the 21st century: effective and environmentally friendly. We truly have something to be proud of, as few others, with the conducted tests, we have full knowledge of how our print will look like in 1, 3, 6 years," says the Director of Marketing at Prim Jet Color, Mrs. Jolanta Airaut.

Prim Jet Color laminates bring a new level of quality to the large-format advertising market. With these products, manufacturers of automotive, window, floor, flag, canvas, and other graphic applications have the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of their products.