Synthesis and Physical Properties of Poly (Disperse Red 1 acrylate-co-butyl methacrylate)

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of random copolymers of Disperse Red 1 acrylate (DR1A, 2-ethyl-4,4'-nitrophenyl azophenyl ester) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) or methyl methacrylate (MMA) have been carried out. The copolymers exhibit the orientation of azobenzene groups through photochemical trans-cis isomerization in tetrahydrofuran solution with linearly polarized argon ion laser. The response rate was estimated by using a biexponential equation. The response rate of the DR1A/BMA copolymer was found to be slower than that of DR1A/MMA copolymer.