Mechanosynthesis of a Copper Complex for Redox Initiating Systems with a Unique Near Infrared Light Activation

The first use of a new mechanosynthesized copper complex (Cu(acac)(2dppba)) as a initiator for the redox and redox photoactivated polymerization of methacrylates under air is proposed. This paper (i) describes the mechanosynthesis of this complex, (ii) outlines the relative efficiency of the complex for redox polymerization (mechanosynthesized product vs. solvent synthesized product), (iii) follows the polymerization enhancement under a 405 nm light, and (iv) demonstrates the high performance of this complex in near infrared photoactivated redox polymerization where a completely colorless polymer is obtained (unprecedented under NIR irradiations, 785 nm, here). The light activated polymerization exhibit higher conversions, better time controls (activation control) and higher surface conversions than redox polymerization. The mechanosynthesis is well characterized by two solvent-free methods (visual color change and Electron Spin Resonance) and two solvent-based methods (high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and UV-vis spectrometry). The involved mechanisms are discussed. Mechanosynthesis of copper complexes opens new perspectives for copper (photo)redox polymerization catalysts as the environmental impact and economical costs of the complex synthesis are significantly reduced. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.