Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
09:06
Preparation of DNA-crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels
Published on: August 27, 2014
15.6K
Accessing photo-based morphological control in phase-separated, cross-linked networks through delayed gelation
Caroline R Szczepanski1, Jeffrey W Stansbury2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
European Polymer Journal
|May 9, 2015
Summary
This study enhances photopolymerization control by extending phase separation time using specific monomer copolymers. This allows for greater control over material properties under varying UV light conditions.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Photopolymerization
Background:
- Phase separation is crucial for photopolymer properties.
- Controlling the timing of phase separation is challenging.
- Ambient photopolymerizations require precise control over reaction kinetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the phase separation period in photopolymerization, independent of temperature.
- To investigate the effect of copolymer composition on reaction kinetics and phase separation.
- To enable processing under a wider range of UV irradiation intensities.
Main Methods:
- Copolymerization of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (EGMEMA).
- Modification of resins with poly(butyl methacrylate).
- Optical and rheological measurements to probe phase separation and gelation.
- Varying UV irradiation intensities (300 µW cm⁻² - 100 mW cm⁻²).
Main Results:
- Increasing EGMEMA content decreased initial reaction rates.
- The time between phase separation and gelation extended from 22 s to 69 s.
- Materials could be processed across a broad spectrum of UV intensities.
- Control over phase-separated domain size and morphology was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Copolymerization of TEGDMA and EGMEMA effectively extends the phase separation window.
- This approach offers enhanced control over photopolymerization processes.
- The method allows for tunable material properties by adjusting UV intensity and composition.
