Active-Energy-Ray Polymerizable Initiator Preventing Leaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active-energy-ray-polymerizable compositions face challenges in preventing low-molecular-weight compounds, such as photoinitiators and unreacted monomers, from leaching out of polymerization products and contacting other objects, which is critical for safety in applications like food labeling, dental treatments, and nail decoration.
Innovation Solution
An active-energy-ray-polymerizable initiator with a specific structure, represented by general formula (1), is developed, which includes a benzophenone moiety for radical generation and an acrylate or methacrylate moiety for polymerization, along with a hydrophilic ether group for water solubility, reducing volatile organic compounds and enhancing polymerization speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photoinitiator and radically polymerizable monomer are used in active-energy-ray-polymerizable composition, then free radical generation and polymerization functions are achieved, but low-molecular-weight compounds may leave from polymerization product and contact other objects causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photoinitiator function and polymerizable monomer function into a single molecule (formula 1). The benzophenone moiety provides free radical generation upon irradiation, while the acrylate or methacrylate group provides polymerization capability. This merging eliminates the need for separate photoinitiator and monomer components, thereby preventing low-molecular-weight compound leaching and improving safety for food labeling and dental applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining aromatic ketone (photoinitiator) and vinyl polymerizable group (monomer) functionalities in one molecule. This composite structure achieves both free radical generation and polymerization functions simultaneously, eliminating small molecule leaching issues while maintaining effective polymerization performance.
2Productivity
If conventional photoinitiators and monomers are used, then polymerization can occur, but the process may be slow and require volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular parameters by incorporating hydrophilic ether groups (L2: —O(CH2)p—, —(OC2H4)n—, or —(OC3H6)m—) into the polymerizable initiator structure. This parameter change enhances water solubility, eliminates the need for volatile organic solvents, and accelerates polymerization speed through improved molecular mobility and reactivity in aqueous environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The initiator effectively prevents low-molecular-weight compounds from leaching and ensures rapid polymerization, maintaining safety and performance in various applications by controlling the polymerization process and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
An active-energy-ray-polymerizable composition is irradiated with a radioactive ray such as electron beam (EB) or ultraviolet ray (UV) to generate e.g. free radicals, and a radically polymerizable compound is polymerized by the generated free radicals
Data Source
AI summary
An active-energy-ray-polymerizable initiator having a structure represented by the following general formula (1) is provided.In general formula (1), L1 represents —C(═O)—O— (binding to L2 side) or —O—, L2 represents —O(CH2)p-(binding to L1 side), —(OC2H4)n-(binding to L1 side), or —(OC3H6)m-(binding to L1 side), where p represents an integer of 2 to 16, n represents an integer of 2 to 12, and m represents 2 or 3, L3 represents a direct binding or —NH—, L4 represents —OC2H4-(binding to L3 side) or —(OC2H4)2-(binding to L3 side), and R represents —H or —CH3.