Abstract
Photopolymerization reactions have been explored and utilized since the time of the ancient Egyptians; however, development of new photopolymerization methodologies and applications continues at an ever more rapid pace. Traditionally, photopolymerization of multifunctional monomers results in highly crosslinked materials suitable for applications as optical lenses, optical fiber coatings, and dental materials. These reactions are ubiquitous not only because of the nature of the final polymer product, but also for the characteristics of the reaction itself. Photopolymerizations are far more energy efficient than their thermal counterparts, are typically performed in a solventless manner that is more environmentally compatible, the reactions occur rapidly at ambient conditions, and the polymerization can be controlled in both time and space.
Here, we will focus on two distinct vignettes related to our photopolymerizations work including the development of novel click-reaction based photopolymerization reactions and materials and development of polymer networks with dynamic covalent links that exhibit unique responses to exposure to light that alleviate stress and lead to shape and compositional changes. First, we will discuss the potential and application of photopolymerization reactions based on click reactions. These unique polymerizations enable fabrication of low stress, highly functional, homogeneous materials with the facile ability to induce a multistage polymerization reaction suitable for the formation of holographic and other optical materials. We will next present work on covalent adaptable networks (CANs) that incorporate dynamic covalent bonds as crosslinks within the network that respond to light to (de)activate the dynamic bond character. These materials are able to change shape and stress-state when exposed to light, facilitating application as novel optical and actuating materials.
Brief Narrative Biosketch
Professor Christopher N. Bowman received his B.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University in 1988 and 1991, respectively. After receiving his Ph.D., he began his academic career at the University of Colorado in January of 1992 as an Assistant Professor. Since that time Professor Bowman has built a program focused on the fundamentals and applications of crosslinked polymers formed via photopolymerization reactions. He works in the broad areas of the fundamentals of polymerization reaction engineering, polymer chemistry, crosslinked polymers, photopolymerizations and biomaterials. Professor Bowman has remained at Colorado throughout his academic career and is currently the Patten Endowed Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering as well as a Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Colorado at Denver.