Structure-Optical Behaviour Relationships of Epoxy-Based Polymers Having Azobenzene Units

R. FERNÁNDEZ; M. J. GALANTE; P. A. OYANGUREN; I. MONDRAGON

Roma (Italia)

Congreso; Nanofun Poly; 2008

The optical behaviour of azo-modified polymers depends on the environment in which azobenzene moieties exist. In this work, thermoplastic and thermoset copolymers containing azobenzene groups are compared using optically induced birefringence on spin-coated films. We evaluate structural parameters of the polymer matrix in the time to achieve birefringence, as well as the time to randomize the orientation. We relate glass transition (Tg) and mobility in polymer systems with the molecular reorientation showing the benefits of polymer networks in the stability of the remaining birefringence. We measure the effects of varying azobenzene group concentration and, finally, we also present results of absorbance measurements.