SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS FOR NONLINEAR OPTICS

Two-component simultaneous interpenetrating networks (IPN) of the loxy )ethyl]ethylamino]-4-nitroazobenzene-co-methyl methacrylate) (PDR1MA-c o-MMA)/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) system, the PDR1MA /PPO system and 4'-[[2-(acetoxy)ethyl]ethylamino]-4-nitroazo benzene ( ACDR1) doped MMA/PPO system were synthesized and characterized. As stu died by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) the full IPNs of the P DR1MA-co-MMA/PPO system and the PDR1MA/PPO system showed a single T-g varying with the PPO composition. A single-phase morphology of the ful l IPNs was also indicated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Transp arent films were cast onto clean microscopic glass slides and poled at 190 degrees C for 1 h. The UV-VIS absorption spectra of the three IPN systems before and after curing and corona poling showed a shift in t he maximum absorption due to the induced alignment of the nonlinear op tical chromophores in the IPN systems. The absorption intensity of the full IPNs remained same after heating at 120 degrees C for 72 h, indi cating that the electric field-induced alignment is stable in the full IPN materials. Preliminary second harmonic generation (SHG) data on t hese IPNs are presented. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.