Synthesis, characterization and photopolymerization of vinyl functionalized poly (ε-caprolactone)

Vinyl functionalized poly (ε-caprolactone) with molar mass ranging from 500–5000 Da were synthesized by ring opening polymerization and further photopolymerized. One-step synthesis and functionalization is achieved based on ring opening polymerization (ROP). Hydroxyl butyl vinyl ether (HBVE) was employed to play the role as the initiator of ROP, and photo-curable functional group. The presence of CH2=CH peak in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed that vinyl end groups were successfully attached to poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) macromolecule. Kinetic parameters of cationic photopolymerization of vinyl functionalized PCL were investigated. The activation energy was estimated at 11.33 kJ/mol, by assuming the cationic system followed second-order autocatalytic model.