Free-Radical Curing Mechanism Used for: Acrylates, methacrylates, unsaturated polyesters, styrenics, vinyl monomers. Initiation:Free-radical initiators (e.g., peroxides, azo compounds, or UV photoinitiators) generate radicals under heat or light.Example: R−O−O−R→ 2R⋅R-O-O-R Propagation:The radical adds to a vinyl group (C=C), creating a growing chain radical. R⋅+CH2=CHX→R−CH2−CHX⋅R Termination:Two radicals combine or disproportionate, stopping growth. R⋅+R⋅→R−RR Very fast polymerization. Works with a wide variety of monomers. Common in UV-cure adhesives and 3D printing resins. Limitations:…
Paven PatelOctober 3, 2025

