Measurement of thermal diffusivity of MEH-PPV in different organic solvents using laser induced thermal lens technique

We have prepared poly [2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) using a modified procedure and purified a number of times in each step. The results show that the MEH-PPV synthesized by the present technique offers low molecular weight and high thermal stability, which are some of the most important requirements for the fabrication of photo luminescent devices. The thermal diffusivities of MEH-PPV dissolved in different organic solvents were calculated for different concentrations. As the concentration was increased thermal diffusivity was decreased. The variation of thermal diffusivities with concentration and the calculated values at a particular concentration are varied in all organic solvents we used. The aggregates formed in the solution also affected the thermal diffusivity. Our studies show that thermal diffusivity of MEH-PPV is highly dependent on the characteristics of the solvent. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.