Editor's Note: Keeping pace with industry developments and empowering practitioners to strategically plan ahead, HZ info launches the special feature "Foresee 2026: Dialogues with Chief Engineers, Insights into the Future." 

Beyond macro-level data to directly engage with frontline technology R&D and application, we have interviewed chief engineers or senior experts across specialized segments. Together, they help practitioners outline the technological landscape and market opportunities for the coatings industry in 2026.

Featured Focus: UV Curing Materials

Interviewee: Nie Jun

On the critical track from laboratory to industrialization, Nie Jun is a "light chaser" who combines vision with steadfast execution. As a leading figure in China's photosensitive materials field, his career spanning over three decades distinctly divides into two chapters. The first half was dedicated to profound academic accumulation—from Beijing Normal University to the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, followed by postdoctoral research in the United States, culminating in foundational research on photochemistry and photosensitive materials at top-tier domestic universities and research institutes. The second half marks a bold foray into industrial entrepreneurship. In 2021, he founded the Jiangsu Jitri Photosensitive Electronic Materials Research Institute, committing his life's work to breakthroughs in domesticating critical "bottleneck" materials such as photoresists and photopolymerization-based 3D printing.

His research is far from being confined to the ivory tower. Spanning dozens of niche fields—from photoresists to UV-curable inks, from bio-based optical materials to ultra-purification processes—his work directly addresses the future core needs of industries such as electronic information, precision manufacturing, and green printing. As the former President of the Asian Radiation Curing Association and a Chief Scientist for National Key R&D Programs, he holds over 400 patents and has authored more than 300 papers. He not only contributes to academic literature but also delves deeply into the front lines of industrialization.

Direction of Innovation: What is the most anticipated or critical technological breakthrough to be achieved by 2026?

Nie Jun believes that for the photopolymerization (UV) industry, the most anticipated development by 2026 is solving the issue of flexibility in UV-cured materials.

The advantages of UV curing include rapid speed, environmental friendliness, high wear resistance, and hardness. However, due to the high crosslinking density of its polymer chains, poor flexibility has consistently been a pain point for UV-cured materials. In practical applications, while demanding high wear resistance, hardness, and strength, materials also require good flexibility to meet diverse needs. Applications such as 3D-printed products, dental restoration materials, wear-resistant coatings for mobile phone surfaces, architectural decorative coatings, polymer protective coatings, and inkjet inks all necessitate good flexibility to prevent cracking during application, ensuring both protective and decorative effects.

Product Direction: In which direction will mainstream UV products evolve by 2026?

Nie Jun indicates that by 2026, the UV industry must place significant focus on the high weatherability of UV materials. Only by transitioning UV curing technology from indoor to outdoor applications can a qualitative leap and a substantial increase in volume be achieved.

The critical challenge for outdoor UV applications is high weatherability—ensuring service life and long-term material performance. The development of novel raw materials, specialized formulation adjustments, and the application of new additives will accelerate the adoption of UV products for outdoor use. Examples include exterior architectural decoration, road-related products, automotive exterior coatings, outdoor tank coatings, and bridge corrosion protection.

Recommendations for Practitioners in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, Nie Jun believes that with increasingly stringent national environmental regulations and a clearer understanding of UV technology among end-users, UV will experience accelerated development. UV practitioners should focus on the following:

Actively participate in UV applications within the new energy vehicle sector, such as UV insulation materials, UV adhesives, UV decorative materials, and UV thermal insulation materials.

Expedite exploration of UV applications in high-end fields like aviation, microelectronics, and displays, including photoresists, materials with high/low refractive indices, high-temperature-resistant materials, anti-counterfeiting coatings, and encapsulation materials.

Closely monitor the development of EB (Electron Beam) curing and explore its applications in coil coating, printing, roll-to-roll polymer film coatings, and food packaging.

Expand UV applications in biological repair, medical materials, and hygiene products.

Anticipate rapid development in cationic photopolymerization applications, with new cationic photoinitiators, monomers, and resins poised for growth.

We are committed to integrating China's new chemical materials with the global market. If you are interested in learning more about China's technological trends and market conditions, or seeking more technological cooperation and business opportunities in China, please contact luning@ibuychem.com