Arcplast UV 340 Abrasion-Resistant Nano-Silica Hardcoat
A UV-curable hardcoat reinforced with surface-modified colloidal silica and stabilised against light, for parts that must stay clear under abrasion and outdoor exposure. The silica raises hardness and limits haze gain under abrasion without making the film brittle, and a light stabiliser package protects the polycarbonate beneath from yellowing.
Grade Arcplast UV 340 | Range Plastic and Decorative Coatings | Technology UV-curable acrylate with surface-modified colloidal silica, UV absorber and non basic hindered amine light stabiliser
Technical Data Sheet
Arcplast UV 340
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A UV-curable hardcoat reinforced with surface-modified colloidal silica and stabilised against light, for parts that must stay clear under abrasion and outdoor exposure. The dispersed silica raises hardness and cuts haze gain under abrasion testing without making the film brittle, and a light stabiliser package protects the polycarbonate beneath it from yellowing. The absorber is selected to sit clear of the photoinitiator absorption band and a non basic hindered amine is used, so that stabilisation does not compete with the cure. UV 340 is the higher build, higher performance grade of the pair.
2. Features
- Surface-modified colloidal silica for hardness and low haze gain under abrasion
- Taber haze gain under 5 per cent at 100 cycles and under 10 per cent at 500 cycles
- UV absorber and non basic hindered amine chosen so stabilisation does not compete with cure
- Higher build of 15 to 25 microns
- Used on polycarbonate, PMMA, PETG and silane-primed glass
3. Recommended uses
Abrasion-resistant clear on polycarbonate glazing and lenses, PMMA and PETG parts in outdoor or high wear service, and on silane-primed glass where a UV-curable route is preferred to a thermal cure.
Substrates. Polycarbonate glazing and lenses, PMMA, PETG, and silane-primed glass where a UV-curable route is preferred to a thermal cure.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | UV-curable acrylate with surface-modified colloidal silica, UV absorber and non basic hindered amine light stabiliser | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid | Visual |
| Non-volatile content, solvent-containing versions | 30 to 50 per cent by weight | ASTM D5403, Test Method B; non-volatile content by difference |
| Dry film thickness | 15 to 25 microns | ISO 2808 |
| UV cure | UV dose and peak irradiance issued by Arctic for the grade and the source in use, verified by in-line radiometry at running line speed; nitrogen or reduced oxygen zone where surface tack persists | Radiometer travelling the belt at production speed; customer or supplier protocol |
| Specular gloss at 20 degrees | 85 GU and above, screened at 60 degrees | ISO 2813 |
| Pencil hardness | 2H to 3H | ASTM D3363 |
| Taber abrasion, haze increase, CS-10F wheels, 500 g | Under 5 per cent haze gain at 100 cycles and under 10 per cent at 500 cycles | ASTM D1044, haze measured to ASTM D1003 |
| Cross-cut adhesion | Class 0 to class 1, before and after humidity exposure | ISO 2409, 2 mm cut spacing on plastic substrates, 1 mm on glass |
| Accelerated weathering, xenon arc | Yellowness index change, haze gain and adhesion retention agreed per part, with no microcracking or delamination, typically over 500 to 1000 h | ISO 4892-2; yellowness index to ASTM E313, haze to ASTM D1003, adhesion to ISO 2409 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flow coat, dip or spray |
| Surface preparation | Clean, dust free and free of release agents; glass silane primed. On polycarbonate, solvent balance and flash are set against stress cracking |
| Applied film thickness | 15 to 25 microns |
| Flash | 5 minutes at 60 degrees C where solvent is present |
| Cure | Under UV at the UV dose and peak irradiance issued by Arctic for the grade and the source in use, mercury or LED; a nitrogen or reduced oxygen zone is used where surface tack persists, most often on thin films, matt finishes and low intensity LED sources |
| Cure verification | Dose checked by in-line radiometry at running line speed; on thicker films through-cure is governed by delivered dose and long wavelength output and is checked by solvent rub and adhesion rather than by surface hardness |
Process. Flow coat, dip or spray at 15 to 25 microns. Flash 5 minutes at 60 degrees C where solvent is present, then cure under UV. A nitrogen or reduced oxygen zone is used where surface tack persists, which is most common on thin films, matt finishes and low intensity LED sources, since the oxygen inhibited layer sits at the surface. On thicker or pigmented films the limit is through-cure, which is governed by delivered dose and by long wavelength output rather than by oxygen. Cure dose verified by in-line radiometry at running line speed.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed, opaque containers away from sunlight and other UV sources, direct heat and frost, and keep lids closed between uses. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request, for handling. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.