PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
- Development of LED sensitive photoinitiators for ionic processes (i.e., PhotoBase (PBG) and PhotoAcid (PAG) Generators) adapted to monochromatic light sources, in view of additive manufacturing applications.
- Characterization of their efficiency and its improvement by combination with redox additives in photocyclic initiating systems.
- Development of sustainable formulations for ionically photocured composites containing cellulose fillers (academic secondment).
- Obtaining of at least one photoinitiator that allows photopolymerisation processes more sustainable than the selected benchmark and has comparable performances.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Protocols for the synthesis of PBG and PAG and their photochemical study under LED irradiation.
- Optimization of their photochemical efficiency in photocurable formulations.
- Setting of an appropriate sustainability metrics for photoinitiators, and sustainability assessment of the newly synthesised photoinitiators.
- Trained researcher expert on the synthesis and characterisation of innovative ionic photoinitiators and on photoinduced processes suitable for coating materials, acquired also during secondments.
PLANNED SECONDMENTS:
- Host 1: POLITO (IT), supervisor: R. Bongiovanni, timing: month 35, length: 6 months. Purpose: development of cellulose-based ionically photocured materials.
- Host 2: KAYALAR KİMYA (TR), supervisor: E. Erguven, timing: month 29, length: 3 months. Purpose: acquire knowledge on the preparation of coatings.
*Enrolment in Doctoral degree: at UHA. Prof. X. Allonas will act as supervisor and Prof. C. Croutxé-Barghorn as co-supervisor