Structure and optical characteristics of the polymer-dye composites prepared via solvent crazing

Optical characteristics of the composites based on an amorphous polymer and a luminescent dye [poly(vinyl chloride)-Rhodamine 6G] prepared via solvent crazing are studied. After annealing at temperatures above glass transition temperature T (g), the samples show a dramatic increase in the intensity of absorption and luminescence bands of Rhodamine Y and a marked decrease in light scattering. The observed changes are due to the diffusion of dye molecules in the polymer matrix and healing of the porous structure of crazes. The above processes are independent and proceed simultaneously. As a result, transparent composites with a low level of light scattering and with a uniform distribution of dye molecules in the polymer matrix are formed. When the PVC-Rhodamine 6G samples are annealed at temperatures above T (g), dramatic changes in their spectral luminescent characteristics and color allow the above composites to be considered specific photochromic materials.