Photopolymerization in dispersed systems

Abstract

Zero-VOC technologies combining ecological and economic efficiency are destined to occupy a growing place in the polymer economy. Today, Polymerization in dispersed systems and Photopolymerization are the two major key players. The hybrid technology based on photopolymerization in dispersed systems has emerged as the next technological frontier, not only to make processes even more efficient and eco-friendly, but also to expand the range of polymer products and properties. This review summarizes the current knowledge in research relevant to this field in an exhaustive way. Firstly, fundamentals of photoinitiated polymerization in dispersed systems are given to show the favourable context for developing this emerging technology, its specific features as well as the distinctive equipment and materials necessary for its implementation. Secondly, a state-of-the-art and critical review is provided according to the seven main processing methods in dispersed systems: emulsion, microemulsion, miniemulsion, dispersion, precipitation, suspension, and aerosol.

Novel ketone derivative-based photoinitiating systems for free radical polymerization under mild conditions and 3D printing

“…Now, the photopolymerization technique is attracting a widespread attention in both traditional and high-tech areas, including coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, microlithography, microelectronics, dentistry, and photocuring 3D-printing…to name just a few. [6][7][8][9][10] For the moment, the majority of the commercially available photoinitiators are UV sensitive, although the UV light is harmful for the environment and human wellbeings. 11,12 In this context, the exploration of alternative safe irradiation sources based on near-UV and visible light is a cherished desire for mild photopolymerization conditions.…”

Tough and conductive polymer hydrogel based on double network for photo-curing 3D printing

“…The oil phase also included the photo-initiator TPO. When irradiated by the printer's UV light, the TPO was cleaved into two free radicals, and the double bond was polymerized to produce PHEA-PSS hydrogel [24]. In addition to increasing the solubility of EDOT, SSS monomer also acted as templates for the polymerization of PEDOT.…”

Redox two-component initiated free radical and cationic polymerizations: Concepts, reactions and applications

“…In the domain of waterborne coatings onlya leading product derived mainly from an emulsion polymerizationthe market size was estimated in 2015 at 17.7 million tons worth EUR 52.4 billions [5]. Many challenges and opportunities are identified in emulsion polymers [273,274], among them, the reduction of the energy consumption during the synthesis is crucial [5,154,275,276]. This is the reason why many authors studied the initiation of emulsion/dispersion polymerization by redox systems [277,278].…”

“…In additional, no further purification of the concerned monomers is necessary when efficient redox initiating systems (RIS) are used. Compared to photopolymerization, mostly applied to coatings and/or thin layer polymerization [3], redox initiated polymerizations show extremely high robustness in reaction media where light penetration is limited and/or absent (composites/thick samples/dispersions/…) [4][5][6].…”