Visible light-induced polymerization of monooxiranes and 1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2002-07, Vol.85 (1), p.159-168
• Main Authors: Pinzino, Charles S., Chappelow, Cecil C., Holder, Andrew J., Morrill, Jason A., Harris, C. David, Power, Martin D., Eick, J. David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; cationic polymerization; epoxides; Exact sciences and technology; molecular modeling; monooxiranes; photodifferential scanning calorimetry; photopolymerization; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Polymers and radiations; reaction energetics; ring-opening polymerization; spiroorthocarbonates; visible light-induced polymerization
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.10578

The visible‐light photohomopolymerization reactivities of several monofunctional oxiranes were evaluated using photodifferential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Two oxiranes, styrene oxide and 1‐methoxy‐2‐methyl propylene oxide, were selected for copolymerization reactivity studies with five substituted 1,5,7,11‐ tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes (TOSUs). Reaction mixtures contained a diaryliodonium salt photoacid initiator and a β‐diketone photosensitizer. Experimentally determined reaction enthalpies were compared with calculated theoretical values to assess percent conversion. Relative reactivities were evaluated by comparing induction and exotherm peak maximum times. Results of AM1 semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations of reaction energetics were compared to experimental findings for selected polymerizations. IR spectral changes were consistent with oxirane and TOSU ring opening. The effect of temperature on the photopolymerization reactivity characteristics of glycidyl methylphenyl ether alone and in combination with unsubstituted TOSU was also studied. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 159–168, 2002