Raman scattering study of photopolymerization kinetics in C60 crystals

Photopolymerization kinetics of C60 crystals has been investigated by means of Raman scattering measurements changing sample temperature, laser irradiation intensity and time. It is found that the observed Raman spectrum is composed of monomer, dimer and higher photoproduct components. The dimer is formed as an intermediate phase during the course of the photopolymerization process. The variation of Raman intensity with laser irradiation time has been well explained by a kinetic model taking into account photocreation and thermal decomposition of monomers, dimers and trimers. Photochemical reaction coefficients of dimers and trimers have been obtained from the kinetic model analysis.