The Purpose for the Research Center
The Research Center represents a collaboration of scientists from the University of Iowa, the University of Colorado, and industrial representatives. Photopolymerizations offer tremendous advantages over traditional thermal processing methods, including low energy requirements, spatial and temporal control of initiation, and high polymerization rates. These advantages have led to tremendous growth in applications of photopolymerizations; however, much of this growth is occurring without a fundamental understanding of the underlying photochemical processes. Hence, there is a critical need to establish an active dialog between academic and industrial researchers. The objectives of the center are (1) to advance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations; (2) to establish a venue for industrial/academic interactions with industrial scientists providing guidance for academic research; (3) to explore high-risk, cutting-edge research on photopolymerization processes that could lead to technological innovations; and (4) to promote and/or develop novel applications which exploit the unique set of advantages offered by photopolymerizations. Specifically, the center research will focus on the following areas:
Center Mission and Rationale
The primary mission of the Photopolymerizations Center is to advance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations. This mission is advanced through the unique opportunity for active collaborations among industrial and academic investigators who are exploring cutting-edge research on photopolymerization processes, and are developing novel applications based upon the unique set of advantages offered by photopolymerizations. These advantages have led to tremendous growth in applications of photopolymerizations in areas such as solvent-free processing, biomedical materials, and high-technology devices; however, much of this growth is occurring without a fundamental understanding of the underlying photochemical processes. Hence, there is a critical need to establish an active dialogue between academic and industrial researchers. The objectives of the IUCRC center are (1) to advance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations; (2) to establish a venue for active discussions and collaborations among industrial and academic researchers; (3) to explore high-risk, cutting-edge research on photopolymerization processes that could lead to technological innovations; and (4) to promote and/or develop novel applications that exploit the unique set of advantages offered by photopolymerizations.