The formation of semiinterpenetrating polymer networks by photoinduced polymerization

Abstract

Semiinterpenetrating polymer networks can be prepared by photopolymerization of epoxy acrylates in thin films of several polymers. The results on the polymerization kinetics give evidence of changes in kinetic relations during the entire polymerization process. Furthermore, the polymers formed at different conversion degrees were investigated using crystal violet as a fluorescence probe. The experimental data obtained by means of the fluorescence technique indicate that the polymerization process most likely takes place in a highly viscous medium. Towards the end, the reaction proceeds in a nearly glassy state until the polymerization is frozen. Results obtained by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic reaction calorimetry are comparable with the data of the DSC experiments.