Photopolymer Materials and Processes for Advanced Technologies

Abstract

Photopolymers broadly comprise monomers, oligomers, polymers, or mixtures of the aforementioned materials that upon exposure to light undergo photochemical reactions that result in deep-seated changes in their structures which substantially modify their chemical and mechanical properties. Photopolymers may possess chromophores that provide for their intrinsic photosensitivity. Alternatively, other photosensitive molecules may be added that directly or indirectly interact with the photopolymer upon exposure to light to produce the desired property changes. Examples of various types of photopolymers will be presented in this article along with examples of their use in representative applications.