Visible-Light Curable Composition for Sunlight-Activated Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visible light curable compositions require photoinitiators for polymerization, limiting their applicability and efficiency, especially under sunlight, and conventional UV curable systems face issues with biocompatibility and high VOC emissions.
Innovation Solution
A visible light curable composition using tertiary amine functional polymerizable monomers as main monomers and photopolymerization promoters, enabling polymerization under UV or sunlight without dependency on photoinitiators, and allowing controlled polymerization with quaternary salts and DES compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If UV light activated photoinitiators are used for polymerization, then curing speed and crosslinking level are improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates and VOC emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation wavelength parameter from UV range to visible light range (400 nm or upper zone), enabling the use of less harmful visible light instead of UV light while maintaining polymerization functionality through specially designed photoinitiators with high photosensitivity in the visible range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solvent-free or water-based formulations that eliminate or minimize VOC emissions, replacing traditional solvent-based systems with environmentally friendly alternatives that maintain coating performance without harmful volatile organic chemicals
2Object-affected harmful factors
If visible light activated photoinitiators are used for polymerization, then biocompatibility is improved, but reaction yield and curing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the photoinitiator structure to achieve high photosensitivity in the visible light range (400 nm or upper zone), and adjusts formulation parameters including monomer selection and photoinitiator concentration to ensure reaction yield comparable to or exceeding conventional UV systems while using visible light activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops composite photoinitiator systems combining multiple components with complementary visible light absorption characteristics, creating synergistic effects that enhance both the efficiency of visible light activation and the overall polymerization yield
3Strength
If high crosslinking level is achieved in polymer composition, then physical properties and durability are improved, but solubility and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the crosslinking ratio parameter within optimal ranges that balance network density and solubility, using controlled crosslinking methodologies that achieve sufficient physical properties and durability while maintaining stability in water-based or solvent-free formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized crosslinked structures with appropriate density distribution, ensuring high crosslinking in regions requiring enhanced physical properties while maintaining lower crosslinking density in regions requiring solubility and processability
4Adaptability or versatility
If special photoinitiators and curing equipment are used for visible light polymerization, then visible light curability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops photoinitiator systems that can be activated by common visible light sources already present in many industrial and consumer environments, eliminating the need for specialized UV curing equipment and enabling use with simple LED lamps, sunlight, or standard visible light fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates compositions that can be cured by ambient visible light including natural sunlight, eliminating the need for additional curing equipment or controlled lighting environments, allowing applications to proceed using readily available light sources
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
Enables polymerization under various light conditions, reduces VOC emissions, and provides controlled polymerization for thermoset/thermoplastic coatings, with applications in 3D printing and electronic equipment.
Implementation Method 1
enables curing of polymerizable structures under the sunlight and also ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
Data Source
AI summary
In particular, the invention relates to a visible light curable composition which enables curing of polymerizable structures under the sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure without dependency on using visible light activated photoinitiators only, but enables that all types of UV light activated photoinitiators are able to start the polymerization process, and to a method of polymerization of the composition.