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Controlling frontal photopolymerization with optical attenuation and mass diffusion.
Matthew G Hennessy1, Alessandra Vitale1, Omar K Matar1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
Summary
Frontal photopolymerization (FPP) enables rapid fabrication of polymer networks. This study reveals how optical attenuation and mass transport control FPP traveling waves, with diffusion unexpectedly accelerating network growth.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Frontal photopolymerization (FPP) is a method for fabricating polymer networks.
- FPP involves light-initiated polymerization forming traveling waves.
- Understanding FPP wave dynamics is crucial for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine conditions for FPP occurrence.
- Investigate optical attenuation and mass transport effects on FPP.
- Explore tuning of conversion profiles and propagation kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of frontal photopolymerization.
- Analysis of optical attenuation and mass transport phenomena.
- Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Main Results:
- FPP requires strong optical attenuation and slow mass transport relative to polymerization rate.
- Optical attenuation coefficients significantly control traveling wave shape.
- Mass diffusion was found to enhance polymerization extent and network growth speed.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical framework established for FPP conditions and control.
- Optical properties and mass transport are key parameters for tuning FPP.
- Mass diffusion plays a beneficial role in FPP, contrary to initial assumptions.
