Rheofluorescence technique for the study of dilute MEH-PPV solutions in Couette flow.
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.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia, e.hill@unimelb.edu.au
Elisabeth K
EK
Hill
Richard L
RL
Watson
Dave E
DE
Dunstan