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Isomerization and reorientation of Disperse Red 1 in poly(ethyl methacrylate)
1Voevodsky Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya 3, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation.
Light-induced reorientation of Disperse Red 1 (DR1) molecules in poly(ethyl methacrylate) occurs in confined polymer environments. This reorientation is hindered by isomerization, unlike in roomy environments.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Photochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Azobenzene-containing polymers exhibit changes in optical properties upon light irradiation due to cis-trans isomerization.
- The reorientation of azobenzene moieties is crucial for photoresponsive material applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of polymer environment on light-induced molecular reorientation.
- To analyze the kinetics of trans → cis isomerization and reorientation of Disperse Red 1 (DR1) in poly(ethyl methacrylate).
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of poly(ethyl methacrylate) film doped with DR1 using 546 nm linearly polarized light.
- Measurement of time profiles for optical anisotropy and absorbance during irradiation.
- Kinetic modeling to analyze the observed time profiles.
Main Results:
- Light-induced reorientation of DR1 molecules was observed in confined polymer environments.
- Reorientation was hindered in confined environments where trans → cis isomerization is restricted.
- No reorientation was observed in roomy environments, suggesting different spatial requirements for isomerization and reorientation.
Conclusions:
- The polymer matrix's spatial constraints significantly influence DR1 molecule reorientation.
- Environmental changes induced by isomerization attempts drive reorientation in confined spaces.
- Differential effects of the polymer environment on thermal and light-induced isomerizations indicate distinct spatial needs for these processes.
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