Enhancing Kinetics and Tuning Physical Properties via Grafted Networks of Epoxide/Acrylate Hybrid Photopolymerizations

Julie Jessop, University of Iowa

Abstract:Hybrid systems of epoxides, which undergo cationic polymerization, and acrylates, which undergo free-radical polymerization, have been shown to reduce oxygen sensitivity during photopolymerization. However, slow reaction and low conversion of the epoxides, as well as phase separation of the two polymer networks, remain problematic. These problems are mitigated by inducing the activated monomer mechanism through use of hydroxyl-containing acrylates. The amount of hydroxyl-containing acrylate provides control of the epoxide kinetics and the overall network homogeneity.