Kinetic Study of Photoinitiated Frontal Polymerization. Influence of UV Light Intensity Variations on the Conversion Profiles

UV polymerizations in the presence of a photobleachable initiator are studied. The photoinitiator concentration vs time and the UV radiation intensity evolution within the sample are calculated according to rate equations. Polymerization and temperature profiles inside the sample are calculated assuming steady-state conditions. Thermal boundary conditions are chosen for orthopedic applications. The polymerization is then investigated under a range of photoinitiation conditions to access the ability to form thick materials. Theoretical results indicate that both cure depth and temperature rise can be controlled through the use of a photobleachable initiator and variation of the initiating UV radiation intensity during the polymerization.