Voltage activation of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate

Free radical polymerization of acrylate resins may be initiated by light or heat, but a direct electronic mode of activation is missing. Voltage activated free-radical polymerization would address this limitation if suitable electronic initiators are available. Herein, a selection of initiators and electrolytes investigate electronic initiation of diacrylate resins. Electrochemistry and rheometry are combined in a custom electrorheometer towards the evaluation of relevant structure property relationships. Viscoelastic material properties are measured as a function of voltage, chemical initiator, cumulative charge, and electrolyte. Upon cathodic activation, liquid to solid transitions with a maximum shear modulus of 139 kPa is observed while anodic activation failed to initiate gelation. Storage modulus and adhesion strength measurements demonstrate that voltage activation of acrylate resins is feasible, but further improvements in increasing crosslinking kinetics are needed before industrial applicability.