A new technology that uses visible light for curing a multitude of monomers, oligomers and polymers-chemical building blocks from which synthetic organic materials are made-has been licensed by the University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc., to Three Bond International Inc.
A worldwide leader in the adhesives, sealants and bonding industry, Three Bond will implement the technology into new applications for production of adhesives for the medical and automotive markets.
Charles Kutal, professor of chemistry and associate dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, invented the technology. The non-exclusive licensing agreement entitles Three Bond to use UGARF technology specifically for the manufacture and sale of light-cured cyanoacrylate adhesives in the U.S.
The new technology allows for the fast cure of myriad polymers, including cyanoacrylate, commonly known as “superglue.”
In contrast to the UV curing process, the new technology obviates the need for specialized equipment and safety measures associated with UV, because it generates anions, which are not as susceptible to side-reactions as their counterparts.