HRI Chemistries

HRI - Chemistry

1. Photoinitiators – HRI has manufactured photo-sensitive products for the graphic arts, dental and electronics markets for over 25 years. We offer initiators, co-initiators, image fixers and thermal stabilizers for use in a wide array of systems. Although we offer many types of molecules, the three main classes of HRI initiator products are:
   
   1. Hexarylbiimidazoles (HABI’s) – Dimerization of two imidazole molecules allows numerous variations on this type of molecule. HABI (also known as BCIM), was first commercialized for imaging applications for dry film resists and graphic arts proofing paper. Substituting functional groups (methyl, ethyl, Cl, F, etc…) on the imidazole rings affect solubility and photospeed, two critical factors in photosensitive formulations. Additionally, most HABI’s have two absorption wavelengths, making it active in the 270 nm range as well as at 400 nm. HRI has been commercially developing and manufacturing unique HABI molecules for over 25 years.
   2. Cationic Initiators – Used mainly as initiators for binders polymerisation, particularly with epoxides such as those used in the printing ink markets.. Iodonium, sulfonium as well as other types as well.
   3. Ketones – TMCH, camphorquinone, methyl benzoy formate are prime examples of this class of materials.
2. Functional IR & Near IR Dyes – Imaging, data storage, and biomedical technologies have used HRI products in a number of markets including CD-R, DVD/R, Computer-to-Plate (CTP), laser dyes and filters, NIR absorbers, and as fluorescence markers in biomedicial applications. The four main classes of HRI functional dye products are:
   
   1. Cyanines – Synthesis of both intermediates and IR dyes. Dye’s tailored for specific characteristics such as absorption spectrum and organic solvent or water solubility.
   2. Phthalocyanines – Synthesis of building blocks and subsequent metal phthalocyanines to be used as pigments for inkjet, color filter, and CD/DVD applications.
   3. Sensitizing Dyes - Condensation of aromatic amines with aldehydes to generate dyes that absorb from 400–700 nm, i.e. the entire visible spectrum. Also used to expand the absorption range of photosensitive formulations for development of new applications.
   4. Holographic Dyes - Condensation of aromatic amines with aldehydes, ketones and squaric acid to make specialized holographic dyes. Often used in conjunction with HRI high speed initiators.
3. Display materials - HRI’s experience with monomers, photoinitiators, and IR dyes led our entry into the display markets. HRI experience includes the following chemistries:
   
   1. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon synthesis, including anthracenes, tetracenes, pentacenes and chrysenes by direct synthesis or pyrolysis of intermediates.
   2. OLED materials – Synthesis of metal complexes, specialized aromatic amines, and AZO compounds by condensation and coupling reactions.
4. Specialty Monomers
   Acrylates, methacrylates and other reactive monomers using standard esterification chemistry with optional purification by distillation or recrystallization. Hampford Research was founded in 1982 by Jack Hampford, a pioneer in the reactive monomer industry in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. His knowledge of monomer manufacturing technology was the basis for the development of HRI’s specialty monomers: low volume, high quality molecules for use mainly in the dental, adhesives, and optical industries.