The IUCRC researchers will conduct a comprehensive study of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations and their impact on the structure and properties of photopolymerized materials. The kinetic and mechanistic contributions to photopolymerization processes each play a critical role in determining the macroscopic structure and material properties of the product. Within the center both radical and cationic photopolymerizations will be examined with state-of-the-art experimental techniques to elucidate the complex chemical and physical mechanisms which control the initiation, propagation and termination of the active centers. Additionally, the macroscopic structure and molecular architecture will be characterized so that they may be correlated with the material properties. These fundamental studies will elucidate the underlying reaction-structure-property relationships which, we believe, will lead to the development of new applications and profound improvements in existing photopolymerizations processes.

Research Program

      The faculty of the Center is conducting a comprehensive study of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations and their impact on the structure and properties of photopolymerized materials. The kinetic and mechanistic contributions to photopolymerizations each play a critical role in determining the macroscopic structure and material properties of the product. The Center unites a productive research team with expertise that spans a variety of scientific arenas including fundamental photophysical and photochemical processes, polymerization reaction engineering, spectroscopic characterization methods, network formation modeling, and advanced high resolution microscopies. Both radical and cationic photopolymerizations are being examined with state-of-the-art experimental techniques to elucidate the complex chemical and physical mechanisms that control the initiation, propagation and termination of the active centers. These fundamental studies are helping to establish the underlying reaction-structure-property relationships that will lead to the development of new applications and to profound improvements in existing photopolymerization processes.