New terthiophene derivatives for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene-based absorption polarizers

Several new terthiophene-based, highly anisotropic chromophores were synthe sized and dispersed in ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Th e chromophores were axially oriented by drawing the polymer matrix and show ed an extremely pronounced dichroic behavior. In a pseudo-affine deformatio n scheme the dyes did well approximate the ultimate properties in terms of molecular orientation; on the other hand, the observed thermochromism and o ther experimental evidence indicated the persistence of a phase segregation from the polymer matrix.