Gas Chromatography Screening for Acrylate Monomer Byproducts in Varnishes
Quantifying residual acrylate monomers by gas chromatography requires solvent extraction and headspace screening to verify compliance with food migration limits.
1 6-Hexanediol Diacrylate
Chemical Structure
Low viscosity bifunctional monomer used in ultraviolet cured ink systems for paper and board applications. This 1 6-hexanediol diacrylate provides high solvency and rapid curing rates during the printing process. It links polymer chains.
The resulting film adheres to cellulosic fibres to form a resilient layer.
Print Performance
Efficient crosslinking properties ensure that the cured surface resists abrasion and solvent exposure on high speed presses. Formulators select 1 6-hexanediol diacrylate to adjust the viscosity of the ink without sacrificing the final hardness of the coating. Its inclusion supports the production of high gloss finishes on folding boxboard.
Migration Risk
Potential for low molecular weight components to move through the paper substrate limits use in direct food contact packaging. Testing for 1 6-hexanediol diacrylate involves gas chromatography to ensure migration remains below the specific limits set by safety regulations. Residual monomers can cause sensory taints in sensitive food products.
If the curing lamp intensity drops or the line speed exceeds the lamp capacity, unreacted molecules remain available to migrate from the printed surface to the unprinted reverse side when the board is wound into rolls. This set off phenomenon creates a risk for the inner layer of the final package.