LANGMUIR-BLODGETT-FILMS OF PHOTOCHROMIC POLYGLUTAMATES .8. STRUCTURE OF THE MONOLAYERS AT THE AIR-WATER-INTERFACE

Polyglutamates with mesogenic and photochromic azobenzene moieties in the side chain have been investigated at the air-water interface by me ans of UV-Vis spectroscopy. The spectra recorded upon compression of t he monolayer indicate a domain-like structure. The chromophores in the side chains show a spontaneous aggregation, which stabilizes the doma ins, Application of a surface pressure gives rise to a deformation of the polymers in such a way that the chromophores in the side chains ar e directed towards the gas phase, The extent of the deformation strong ly depends on the architecture of the polymer, especially on the spare r used to tether the chromophore to the polymer backbone. The deformat ion is retained in the transfer process and determines the structure a nd the properties of the LB film.