PHOTOINITIATED INTERFACIAL CATIONIC POLYMERIZATION.

Abstract

A novel surface modification technique, photoinitiated interfacial cationic polymerization is described. This process is characterized by highly nonlinear polymerization kinetics that include an induction period, rapid film growth and a plateau in growth rate where polymerization stops despite a constant monomer feed concentration. The induction period is related to deactivation of catalyst by water and to a depletion of catalyst in the surface of the host polymer. The properties of the polymers generated in this process are the same as those generated by solution polymerization in terms of stereochemistry, but the molecular weight is fairly low due to the high initiator concentrations that are employed.