Fotopolimeryzacja (met)akrylanów w masie

Meth(acrylate) polymers are prepared by polymerization according to the radical mechanism. This is possible due to the occurrence of unsaturated double bonds (vinyl groups) in monomers. Meth(acrylate) polymerization reaction is usually carried out in organic solvents using thermal initiators which decompose at elevated temperature to give radicals. An appropriately selected initiator or electromagnetic radiation (e.g. UV light) can be used to initiate the polymerization process. In this case the process is called photopolymerization. Due to the fact that the radical photopolymerization mechanism of met(acrylates) has already been well understood, and the advantages of lightinduced polymerization offer enormous possibilities, this technology still attracts the attention of researchers and industrialists, which results in its continuous development. Meth(acrylates), which are very reactive, are suitable compounds for this technology. Light induced process of transformation these molecules into polymer can be carried out in a very short time. In addition, a wide range of monomers allows to obtain products with various properties. Typically, photopolymerization is associated with the cross-linking of polymers that form part of photocurable compositions, as a result of which, for example, varnish coatings, dental fillings or self-adhesive materials are produced. In this article, contemporary literature on the photopolymerization of (meth)acrylates with reference to the photopolymerization in bulk method is also pointed out. This technique allows to obtain polymer syrups - a polymer solution in unreacted monomers. These viscous liquids are very interesting semi-finished products (free of solvent and almost ready for application) for the preparation of various polymer materials, especially coatings and adhesives.