US 7,321,004 B2
Method for photo-curing polymerizable compositions
Noureddine Melikechi, Dover, Del. (US); and Ranjt S. Pandher, Plainsboro, N.J. (US)
Assigned to New Photonics, LLC, Dover, Del. (US)
Filed on Feb. 11, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/56,577.
Prior Publication US 2006/0183810 A1, Aug. 17, 2006
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. C08J 3/28 (2006.01); C08F 2/46 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 522—1  [522/48; 522/182; 522/103] 30 Claims
 
1. A method for curing polymerizable compositions with light from a light emitting diode (LED), wherein said compositions have (i) a continuous wave curing profile exhibiting a characteristic maximum hardness and exhibiting a decline in hardness values from said maximum hardness as the intensity of said light is increased; and (ii) a pulsed wave curing profile having a characteristic maximum polymerization conversion and exhibiting a decline in conversion from said maximum polymerization conversion with increased light intensity, said method comprising the steps of:
irradiating the polymerizable composition with light emitted by an LED; and
concurrently controlling the intensity of the LED light, such that the cured composition has a hardness of at least about 80% of said characteristic maximum hardness, and such that said polymerization conversion is at least about 80% of said characteristic maximum polymerization conversion.