An azeotropic cross-linked styrene-methacrylate network formed through rapid visible-light photo- polymerization

Published

July 15, 2016

Author(s)

Yin Yang, Aaron A. Urbas, Andres Gonzalez-Bonet, Richard J. Sheridan, Jonathan E. Seppala, Kathryn L. Beers, Jirun Sun

Abstract

A system containing well-defined functional material, a clinically practical procedure to make the material in situ, and proper analytical tools for chemical structure and kinetic studies is appealing, but currently unavailable. Herein, we introduce an all-in-one platform through the development and characterization of a cross-linked resin network, which is achieved through rapid, visible- light induced polymerization in a solvent-free environment. This thermoset resin network is the result of co- polymerization of a distyrenyl-monomer with a dimethacryl-monomer. A high degree of vinyl conversion is achieved in seconds. We also demonstrate that the polymerization rate is controllable through varying the intensity of light exposure. In addition, an azeotropic composition is identified and confirmed through static end-point evaluation, kinetic study, and mathematic modeling using FTIR, real- time Raman spectroscopy and H1 NMR. Altogether, the present results open up new opportunities in design and development of new materials for many applications including those for medical devices, packaging, coating, and 3D printing.

Citation

Polymer Chemistry

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

copolymerization, azeotropic composition, photo-polymerization

Citation

Yang, Y. , Urbas, A. , Gonzalez-Bonet, A. , Sheridan, R. , Seppala, J. , Beers, K. and Sun, J. (2016), An azeotropic cross-linked styrene-methacrylate network formed through rapid visible-light photo- polymerization, Polymer Chemistry (Accessed September 15, 2024)