Novel epoxynorbornane monomers .2. Cationic photopolymerization

The reactivity of a novel series of mono-, di-, and multifunctional monomers bearing the epoxynorbornane group in photoinduced cationic polymerization was determined using Fourier transform real-time infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning photocalorimetry. Comparisons were made between the monomers of this investigation containing the epoxynorbornane group with monomers of similar structure bearing epoxycyclohexane groups. Although the cationic polymerizations of the epoxynorborane functional monomers are rapid they, are slower than the aforementioned epoxycyclohexane analogues. This was attributed mainly to steric hindrance effects.