Direct initiation of the photopolymerization of acrylates by short-wavelength excimer UV radiation

Investigations on the direct initiation of the photopolymerization of acrylates by irradiation with short-wavelength monochromatic UV light using the 222 nm emission of a KrCl* excimer lamp are reported. The reactivity of various acrylates was studied by real-time FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Laser photolysis experiments and accompanying quantum chemical calculations were performed in order to propose a possible mechanism of initiation. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.