Additives for accelerating photopolymerisation processes involving CT complexes. Applications in grafting, curing, composite and IPN formation, also controlled release

The accelerating effect of Lewis acids in photoinitiator free UV grafting and curing involving charge transfer (CT) complexes with cellulose and polypropylene (PP) as representative substrates has been investigated. The data have been compared with the use of photoiriitiators (Pis) in these systems, also the combined effects of P1 and Lewis acid. The results are shown to be of value in the related fields of composite and interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) formation, also controlled release of reagents. A mechanism for the modus operandi of the additives is proposed.