Thermal Frontal Polymerization with a Thermally Released RedoxCatalyst

We studied thermal frontal polymerization using a redoxsystemin an attempt to lower the temperature of the frontallypolymerizable system while increasing the front velocity so as toobtain a self-sustaining front in a thinner layer than without theredox components. A cobalt-containing polymer with a meltingpoint of 63 C (Intelimer 6050X11) and cumene hydroperoxidewere used with a triacrylate. The use of the Intelimer decreasedthe front velocity but allowed fronts to propagate in thinner layersand withmore filler while still having a pot life of days. Nonplanarmodes of propagation occurred. Fronts propagated faster when6-O-palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid was used as a reductant. Interestingly,fronts were also faster with the reductant even without theIntelimer if kaolin clay was the filler; however, the pot life was significantlyreduced