Photopolymerization of powder suspensions for shaping ceramics

The photopolymerization of suspensions of ceramic powders in monomer solutions is the fundamental step for forming techniques where a liquid suspension is solidified with UV light. The photopolymerization behavior is determined by the properties of the monomer and photoinitiator and by the transport of photons in the suspension. Photon transport in suspensions involves scattering from the particle and absorption by photoinitiators and inert dyes. The photopolymerization behavior is related to the formulation of the suspensions. Proper formulations are discussed for several applications. Techniques for characterization include cure depth measurements, photocalorimetry, and photorheology.