Effect of peroxides and hydroperoxides on the camphorquinone-initiated photopolymerization

Abstract

This work describes the camphorquinone (CQ)-initiated photopolymerization of tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate in the presence of (hydro)peroxides. On the basis of the kinetics of the polymerization in the presence of model compounds, the effect of hydroperoxides and peroxides has been examined. Generally, an addition of low molecular peroxides such as tert-butyl peroxide and dicumyl peroxide increases the rate of polymerization (Rp) in both air and nitrogen, whereas an addition of low molecular hydroperoxides such as tert-butyl hydroperoxide and cumene hydroperoxide decreases Rp. However, hydroperoxides present in low concentrations increase Rp in nitrogen. A mechanism for these reactions is suggested.