Controlled Monomer Architecture for Property Enhancement in Photocured Thin Films

Jon Scholte, University of Iowa

Abstract: Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) is used to synthesize specialized oligomers with specific reaction group placement. The placement of these reactive groups creates unique gradient prepolymers, which drive segregation of hard and soft domains within the final photocured polymer. The residual RAFT moieties facilitate reduction in shrinkage stress during the photopolymerization. These effects induced by the architecture of the oligomer species result in significant increases in strain resistance and toughness in the final cured film.