Fluorinated, Main-Chain Chromophoric Polymer

A nonlinear optical polymer, which belongs to a new class of fluorinated, main-chain chromophoric polymers has been investigated by equilibrium isotherm studies of the Langmuir layer and FTIR studies of Langmuir-Blodgett films. The polymer arranges in an accordion-like manner on the air/water interface, when compressed to moderate surface pressures (12 mN m -1 ), and can be transferred in this configuration as Y-type LB multilayers. At higher surface pressures (> 12 mN m -1 ) the Langmuir layer forms either bilayers or rearranges structurally. The monolayer collapses irreversibly at 20-25 mN m -1 . Analysis of FTIR studies confirm a accordion-like structure. A chemical change occurs in the polymer after aging for one day at the air/water interface.