Preparation and photochromic performance characteristics of polyester-naphthopyran conjugates in a rigid host matrix

摘要

Telechelic naphthopyran functionalized polyester conjugates have been synthesized through the use of polyester diols, namely polycaprolactone diol and poly(diethylene glycol adipate). These low T_g polymeric materials provide a soft and mobile environment to the naphthopyran photochromic dye when incorporated within a rigid thermoset polymeric matrix, which is evidenced by increased fade performance characteristics compared with the non-conjugated control dye. The t_(1/2), fade speeds were reduced by between 51 and 58%, whilst the t_(3/4) fade speeds were reduced by between 68 and 74% for the conjugates tested. The fade speed enhancement was dependent on the molecular weight of the conjugated polyester, which can allow for the tuning of fade speed within the host matrix.