- Provides three scientific foundation chapters covering the fundamentals of polymer chemistry and the chemistry and physics of photopolymerization
- Presents photopolymerization as a specific application of polymer chemistry
- Covers ultraviolet/electron beam (UV/EB) polymerizable materials and product formulation, equipment used in the industry, environmental and safety considerations, and selected application areas
- Includes concept questions throughout to reinforce ideas, provide further discussion, and actively engage the reader in the learning process
- Well-illustrated with selected figures in color
This book introduces the theory of light-induced polymerization utilizing UV, visible light, and EB energy sources, along with a brief overview of how the process works and a summary of key advantages and perceived disadvantages to the technology. The reader is introduced to a detailed discussion of the properties of polymeric materials and the key processes for synthesizing them. Photochemistry and photophysics are then discussed. The volume explains how the underlying chemical reactions relate to the ultimate polymer properties produced by different types of polymerization processes and an in-depth consideration of the raw materials and equipment required for efficient UV and EB curing is presented. Special attention is given to the principles of formulating with a focus on achieving desired properties in the cured photopolymer system. The safety and handling of the materials used and curing process are reviewed. The overall market and applications are covered with additional discussion on selected applications in the industrial and graphic arts markets.
