Wavelength tunability in photoinitiated cationic polymerization

Onium salts, widely used cationic photoinitiators, have absorption in the short wavelength of the UV spectrum. However, their spectral sensitivity can be tuned up to the visible region by using several methods. Photosensitization of onium salts, their charge transfer complex formation and their free radical promotion are some techniques that are used to provide wavelength flexibility. This chapter summarizes these methods. Upon irradiation photosensitizers such as anthracene, perylene and phenothiazine form exciplexes with onium salts generating reactive species via electron transfer. Furthermore, ground state charge transfer formation Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. Y. Yagci, Istanbul Technical University, Department of Chemistry, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected]