Organic polymers that emit light have commanded increasing attention in the last decade, both for their interest to fundamental studies and electro-optical/opto-electronic applications.
In order to produce elastic and resistant foils with luminescent properties inorganic luminophors of nanometric sizes were introduced into the polyurethane elastomer. Nano-composites were prepared by in-situ polymerization. As the best performances of nanocomposites requires good dispersion of the nano-fillers, stirring of the components have been carried out under different values of such parameters as stirring time and speed. Various solvents and process temperatures were also investigated. Nano-composites with different amounts of nanofiller were manufactured to investigate the nanofiller distribution and the structure of hard domains of polyurethanes designed for opto-electro applications.
For PUR synthesis the following chemicals were used: polycaprolactone diol (PCL) Mn=2000,
4,4'-dicyclohexymethane diisocyanate (H'MDI), chains extenders (DIOL A, DIOL B). As a nanofiller zirconium oxide containing 10% Eu³⁺ was used. The filler was added to the polyurethane matrix in the quantity ranging from 0.05 to 0.2% wt. The synthesis was performed via pre-polymer route.
The microstructure of the obtained materials was examined by SEM. The size analysis of nanofillers was investigated with HRSEM and TEM. The mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane nanocomposites were also investigated in addition to the analysis of transmittance and luminescence of obtained materials was performed.
The results obtained indicate possibility of fabrication of polymeric nano-composites for opto-electro applications via relatively inexpensive processing route.
This research was financed by the Polish State Committee for Scientific Research (PBZ-KBN-095/T08/2003).