The invention relates to a process for polymerising a monomer, polymerizing and/or
crosslinking a oligomer, or crosslinking a polymer or copolymer, said monomer,
oligomer, polymer and copolymer being selected among precursor monomers, urethane,
thiourethane and episulfide oligomers, and urethane, thiourethane and episulfide
polymers and copolymers, which comprises:
(a) adding to precursor monomers or oligomers or polymers or copolymers
an effective amount of at least one complex of Co, Mo or W which under irradiation
conditions photochemically reacts to release at least one anionically charged nucleophile
or uncharged Lewis base; and
(b) irridiating the mixture of (a) to release the at least one anionically
charged nucleophile or uncharged Lewis base to initiate polymerisation and/or crosslinking
of the monomer, oligomer, polymer or copolymer.
