PHOTOPOLYMERS............Photopolymer systems polymerize and/or crosslink by either free radical or ionic mechanisms under the influence of actinic radiation.  Bases for these systems include: acrylic, alone and in combination with polyvinyl alcohol; polyimide; polyamide - as well as polyisoprene, cinnamate and epoxy.  The products may be marketed as liquids, solutions or solid polymer compositions and can be sandwiched between plastic and/or metallic substrates.  Photopolymerization of these systems is enhanced by incorporation of sensitizers.

Photopolymer printed plates constitute the largest market.  Another significant outlet is in photoresists for printed circuits.  Imaging, photofabrication and micro-electronics are other important applications.   Stereolithography is a small but growing field.  Many advantages – the feasibility of photocomposition techniques, the reduction in labor and time, and the lessening of pollution and health hazards – augur well for the continued healthy growth of photopolymers.

Some of the subjects included in the report are: