photopolymer process

The photopolymer process is a light-sensitive material that changes its physical and chemical properties when exposed to light. In photography, this process uses a plastic precursor instead of gelatin. When exposed to light, the precursor polymerizes, becoming insoluble. Unexposed material is then washed away with a solvent, leaving a relief image.12

Photopolymer processes are also used to create resists for etching, such as in the manufacturing of printed circuits. In some indirect photopolymer systems, a light-sensitive substance is mixed with a plastic precursor. Upon exposure to light, this mixture decomposes, initiating the polymerization of the plastic. This layer can include pigment for a final colored image, and by combining color images, it can be used for quick color proofing in photomechanical reproduction.2

Photochemical reactions, which are initiated by light energy, are fundamental to many processes, including photography and xerography.3