Theoretical and Experimental Study of Thymine Based Photoresists Polymers

LUCIANI, C. V.; MARTINO, D.; ESTENOZ, D. A.; MEIRA, G. R.; WARNER, J.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Congreso; XXII Congreso Interamericano de Ingeniería Química; 2006

Styrene-based biopolymers containing ionic and thymine groups chemically attached to the polystyrene structure were experimental- and theoretically investigated. The ionic groups make the polymer water-soluble, eliminating the environmental and health concerns associated with the use of volatile organic solvents as in conventional photoresist processes. The material is called a photoresist, given that after illumination with UV light a photocyclization reaction between adjacent thymines takes place, rendering it water-insoluble. Samples were taken along the reactions to determine monomer conversion, solubility, and molecular weight distribution. The obtained copolymers were cured by UV irradiation at room temperature. The cured material was characterized by AFM, FTIR, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. A mathematical model that simulates the synthesis of the biocompatible polymers was developed. Theoretical predictions are in good agreement with measurements. Also, an incipient model for the curing process was presented. Keywords: Biopolymer, Thymine Polymer, Crosslinking.