Concomitant initiation of radical and cationic polymerisations using new copper complexes as photoinitiators: synthesis and characterisation of acrylate/epoxy interpenetrated polymer networks

International audienceTwo new copper complexes were investigated in three-component visible light photoinitiating system for both radical and cationic polymerisation under air. Their reactivity and efficiency have been compared with that of a highly efficient photoredox catalyst G1. The formation of acrylate/epoxy interpenetrated polymer networks were successfully performed through concomitant initiation of radical and cationic polymerisation with low copper complex content upon either LED@405nm or LED@455 nm irradiations. Several characterisations of the acrylate/epoxy IPNs final properties, such as the mechanical properties, adhesion properties, shrinkage and swelling, indicated the possibilities to adapt or tune their properties compared to radical polymerisation of TMPTA