Methods for activating polymerizable compositions, polymerizable systems, and products formed thereby

Abstract

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to activating methods for initiation polymerization of methylene malonates and other polymerizable compositions. The polymerization may be activated by anionic or free radical mechanisms. Because the polymerization may occur very quickly upon contact between the activating agent and the polymerizable composition, methods are provide herein for separating or otherwise rendering the activating agent ineffective to initiate polymerization, until such a reaction is desired. The separation may be physical (separate packaging, separate application steps, encapsulation) or it may be based on latent-activation methods (activation precursors, UV activation). Products formed from the methods disclosed herein may include inks, adhesives, coatings, sealants, reactive moldings, fibers, films, sheets, medical polymers, composites, laminates and the like. Exemplary polymerizable compositions and products formed therefrom are environmentally sustainable, environmentally benign and/or biologically benign.