Dynamics of photoinduced motions in azobenzene grafted polybutadienes

The goal of the investigations was to measure the dynamics of photoinduced motions in semicrystalline polybutadiene backbone based polymer grafted with various degree of mesogenic thiols. We studied the influence of the grafting degree of the azobenzene-containing side groups and the length of terminal oxyaliphatic substituent in the side groups on the dynamics of the laser holographic volume and surface gratings recording. Measurements were performed in a typical laser degenerate two-wave mixing experiment, in which light self-diffraction efficiency during holographic recording was monitored. Mathematical model for grating formation based on coupling of three gratings has been assumed to elaborate the obtained results. Theoretical estimations and experimental results have shown very good agreement.

► Dynamics of photoinduced effects in new azo-containing polymers was studied.
► Most of azo-containing side-chain polybutadienes were in semicrystalline state.
► Influence of chemical structure on holographic grating recording has been checked.
► Theoretical model for grating formation processes was assumed with good agreement.
► Strong influence of crystallinity and glass transition temperature was concluded.