What is Photoinitiators?

What is Photoinitiators?

High Performance Photoinitiators are a class of compounds that are widely used in the field of photopolymerization. They are substances that are sensitive to light and can initiate or catalyze a photopolymerization reaction. When exposed to a specific wavelength of light, photoinitiators absorb the energy and undergo a chemical transformation, resulting in the generation of highly reactive species called free radicals or ions.
High Performance Photoinitiators are essential components in various applications, including UV-curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and dental materials. They play a crucial role in the initiation and control of the photopolymerization process, which involves the conversion of liquid monomers into solid polymers through the use of light.
There are two main types of High Performance Photoinitiators: Type I and Type II.
1. Type I photoinitiators: These photoinitiators absorb light energy and directly generate free radicals upon excitation. They typically consist of an aromatic ketone or an α-diketone structure. Examples of Type I photoinitiators include benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, and benzoin ethyl ether. These compounds are often used in UV-curable systems where oxygen inhibition is not a concern.