PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
- Synthesis of non-migrating of photoinitiators by their immobilization at surfaces, mainly of inorganic (nano)particles.
- Coupling of moieties generating nitrenes and carbenes under UV illumination to nanoparticles using organosilane linkers (academic secondment).
- Characterization of the efficiency of the photoinitiators compared to free (i.e., non-coupled) initiators.
- Tuning of mechanical properties of photocured composites by separating the UV wavelengths which are required to cure the matrix resin and to trigger the photoreaction at the surface.
- Obtaining of at least one photoinitiator that is less hazardous than the selected benchmark and has comparable performances.
EXPECTED RESULTS:
- Protocols for the synthesis of photoinitiators with increased skin- and biocompatibility bearing coupling units and their precise characterization.
- Optimisation of the efficiency of particle-bound initiators for radical and cationic biobased monomers.
- Modulation of mechanical properties on command for photocured composites formulations.
Setting of an appropriate sustainability/safety metrics for photoinitiators, and safety assessment of the newly synthesised photoinitiators. - Trained researcher with skills on the synthesis and characterisation of photoinitiators and their surface immobilisation, acquired also during secondments.
PLANNED SECONDMENTS:
- Host 1: YTU (TR), supervisor: N. Arsu, timing: month 25, length: 6 months. Purpose: synthesis and functionalization of nitrene and carbene generating components, modification with coupling units.
- Host 2: HELIOS (SI), supervisor: P. Venturini, timing: month 38, length: 3 months. Purpose: photocuring of biobased resins using particle-immobilized photoinitiators, assessment of technically relevant properties.
*Enrolment in Doctoral degree: at MUL. Prof. W. Kern will act as supervisor and Dr. T. Griesser as co-supervisor.