Responsive “smart” materials are certainly one of the most intriguing research areas in modern polymer science and technology, as molecularly designed materi- als based on macromolecules offer unique opportunities in this connection. Indeed, macromolecules are able to transmit and amplify small signals through involvement of the whole chain, conferring to the material a change in properties of various level and type. We can learn from Nature how these effects may be obtained according to two distinct routes, based either on the covalent bonding of highly responsive molecular species to the chains, or on the nanodispersion of such responsive species within the polymer bulk. In the latter case, those materials based on macromolecules may also affect the behavior of guest low-molecular- weight molecules or noble metal assemblies. In addition to the molecular features of both host and guest, the supramolecular arrangement of the guest can be modulated by external events on the host material. These effects can be identified and conveniently used when easily detected and field-sensitive species are present in the low-molecular-weight component. In this chapter, we review those investi- gations conducted not only in our laboratory but also by others, that have provided clear examples of the concepts which drive the original idea. In particular, we report our data relating to the effects of external stimuli (i.e., mechanical stretching such as polymer drawing, temperature, and pressure) on the optical properties (absorption and emission) of (nano)composite materials. The (nano)dispersion of active dyes and metal nanoparticles (guest) in inert polymers (host) will then be presented as an example of the effect of the macromolecular environment on respectively the dye or metal atom aggregates (metal nanoparticles), in terms of induced optical properties.

Optically Responsive Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Organic Functional Chromophores and Metal Nanostructures

PUCCI, ANDREA;RUGGERI, GIACOMO;
2010-01-01

Abstract

Responsive “smart” materials are certainly one of the most intriguing research areas in modern polymer science and technology, as molecularly designed materi- als based on macromolecules offer unique opportunities in this connection. Indeed, macromolecules are able to transmit and amplify small signals through involvement of the whole chain, conferring to the material a change in properties of various level and type. We can learn from Nature how these effects may be obtained according to two distinct routes, based either on the covalent bonding of highly responsive molecular species to the chains, or on the nanodispersion of such responsive species within the polymer bulk. In the latter case, those materials based on macromolecules may also affect the behavior of guest low-molecular- weight molecules or noble metal assemblies. In addition to the molecular features of both host and guest, the supramolecular arrangement of the guest can be modulated by external events on the host material. These effects can be identified and conveniently used when easily detected and field-sensitive species are present in the low-molecular-weight component. In this chapter, we review those investi- gations conducted not only in our laboratory but also by others, that have provided clear examples of the concepts which drive the original idea. In particular, we report our data relating to the effects of external stimuli (i.e., mechanical stretching such as polymer drawing, temperature, and pressure) on the optical properties (absorption and emission) of (nano)composite materials. The (nano)dispersion of active dyes and metal nanoparticles (guest) in inert polymers (host) will then be presented as an example of the effect of the macromolecular environment on respectively the dye or metal atom aggregates (metal nanoparticles), in terms of induced optical properties.
2010
Pucci, Andrea; Ruggeri, Giacomo; Ciardelli, F.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/175636
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