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Rheofluorescence Technique for the Study of Dilute MEH-PPV Solutions in Couette Flow

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Abstract

A novel rheofluorescence technique has been developed that permits the study of fluorescent polymers in a near-uniform shear field. The system has been used to examine the effects of shear flow on dilute solutions of two commercially available samples of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) in toluene and xylene. A detailed description of the instrument is provided, along with data that confirm a small probe molecule, Rhodamine 6G, is not affected by simple shear flow. MEH-PPV solutions were examined over two decades of concentration for rheochromism indicative of changes in segment length, and shear-induced orientation revealed by measurements of the steady state emission anisotropy. It is demonstrated that these dilute samples were not influenced by shear rates in the range 100–1000 s−1. In contrast, MEH-PPV dispersed in a concentrated polystyrene solution showed evidence of shear-induced orientation and rheochromism. This new technique shows promise for investigating the impact of shear flow on the conformation of conjugated polymers employed in organic optoelectronic devices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Elisabeth K. Hill, Richard L. Watson & Dave E. Dunstan

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  1. Elisabeth K. Hill
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Hill, E.K., Watson, R.L. & Dunstan, D.E. Rheofluorescence Technique for the Study of Dilute MEH-PPV Solutions in Couette Flow. J Fluoresc 15, 255–266 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10895-005-2625-0

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