Surface‐activated photopolymer microgels

Abstract
Enhancement of the sensitivity of photopolymers is needed if photopolymers are to find more extensive applications in the printing and microlithography industries. A new concept is presented for sensitivity enhancement: the use of surface‐activated microgels as a heterogeneous polymer matrix. The preparation of the microgels and their effect on the polymerization rate and the sensitivity are described. Examples are given of applications of microgel‐based photopolymers as offset printing plates and photographic film.