| Abstract: | Series of quaternary ammonium tetraphenyl borates salt photobase generators (PBGs) were synthesized using p‐methoxyphenacylmethylene and 2‐naphthoymethylene as chromophores, and triethylene diamine, pyridine or 3‐methyl pyridine as tertiary amine. The kinetics for polymerization of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) monomer using PBGs as free radical photo‐initiator was monitored by differential photo‐calorimeter (DPC). It was found that all the quaternary ammonium tetraphenyl borate salt photobase generators synthesized could initiate free radical polymerization of the acrylate monomer TMPTA by exposure to UV irradiation, but the activity was relatively low. Addition of a small amount of polar solvent to the system could largely increase the polymerization rate and final conversion. Photo‐polymerization was also improved by increasing light intensity or raising reaction temperature. PBGs with p‐methoxyphenacylmethylene as chromophore had higher absorbance at around 280 nm and showed higher activity in initiating photo‐polymerization than those with N‐(2‐naphthoylmethyl) as chromophore. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry |
