Dual luminescence of polymers with grafted BF2-benzoylacetonate groups

Abstract Polymers with varied contents of BF2-benzoylacetonate (BF2-BAc) groups have been synthesized by the reaction of double acylation of copolymers of methyl methacrylate and styrene. The synthesized polymers have exhibited a dual luminescence: at λex = 365 nm, an intensive blue monomers luminescence with a maximum at 390 nm was observed, while at λex = 400 nm, an aquamarine luminescence of aggregates was registered at 450 nm. The polymer, in which the content of BF2-BAc groups equaled to 2.7%, has formed two modifications with different optical properties. Upon mechanical activation (grinding) and melting, one observes a transfer from the modification, in which BF2-BAc groups form aggregates, to the amorphous modification. Upon UV-irradiation of the amorphous samples, there occurs the formation of aggregates and excimers based on them present in the initial polymer. There is a possibility that the synthesized polymers can be used in creating smart materials applied in sensors, data recording and storage, rewritable carriers, and optoelectronic devices.