Novel cationic photoinitiators based on the non-nucleophilic [Al(OC(CF3)3)4]− anion were prepared and their high efficiency was presented in comparison to benchmark systems.

Radical induced cationic frontal polymerization (FP) is a technique that allows the curing of huge epoxy parts (e.g., rotors of generators and construction composites), as well as parts with < 1 mm, within minutes instead of hours to days using only a fraction of the energy. Even harsh environmental conditions, like being submerged in water, cannot stop the FP

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The hot-lithography stereolithography 3D printing technology is used to print epoxy resins with high reactivity in order to achieve 3D printed structures. Different hydroxyl containing compounds are investigated as chain transfer agents and the viscoelastic properties of UV-cured materials are fully characterized. The most promising formulations are studied at a high temperature, the 3D printing process parameters are defined and the printed object is fully characterized. By combining the suitable precursor materials in the photocurable formulation with the advanced hot-lithography process, it is possible to produce 3D printed structures that are characterized by outstanding thermomechanical properties and good printability precision.

The UV‐curing of epoxy monomers by cationic photopolymerization is a powerful method for the production of polymer materials. The limit of film thickness in cationic photopolymerization of epoxy monomers has been recently overcome by introducing a novel radical induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) system within this research group. The possibility to cure epoxides in bulk by UV‐light promoted here presents the novel approach to photocured composites. In the present work, the recently established RICFP system is applied on SiO2‐filled epoxy formulations based on bisphenol‐A diglycidyl ether. The influence of filler content on frontal propagation is examined in RICFP experiments. The composite materials are also investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis to determine mechanical properties of the frontally polymerized products.