In UV cured gel systems, what acts as the catalyst to start polymerisation when UV light is applied?

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Multiple Choice

In UV cured gel systems, what acts as the catalyst to start polymerisation when UV light is applied?

Explanation:
UV-cured gels rely on light-activated chemistry. A photoinitiator in the gel absorbs UV photons and forms reactive species, such as free radicals, that kick off the polymerization of the monomers. The UV light provides the energy needed to start this reaction, so the gel cures when exposed. Heat could drive other types of curing, but in UV systems the initiating event comes from light activating the initiator. Oxygen can actually slow down the process by quenching radicals, and humidity doesn’t initiate curing. Therefore, UV light is the trigger that starts polymerisation.

UV-cured gels rely on light-activated chemistry. A photoinitiator in the gel absorbs UV photons and forms reactive species, such as free radicals, that kick off the polymerization of the monomers. The UV light provides the energy needed to start this reaction, so the gel cures when exposed. Heat could drive other types of curing, but in UV systems the initiating event comes from light activating the initiator. Oxygen can actually slow down the process by quenching radicals, and humidity doesn’t initiate curing. Therefore, UV light is the trigger that starts polymerisation.

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