Nonlinear optical, poly(amide-imide)–clay nanocomposites comprising an azobenzene moiety synthesised via sequential self-repetitive reaction

Poly(N-acylurea)–clay nanocomposites consisting of a modified montmorillonite and poly(N-acylurea) were prepared from which poly(amide-imide)–clay nanocomposites were subsequently obtained via the sequential self-repetitive reaction of poly(N-acylurea). The moderate Tg of poly(N-acylurea) allows the nonlinear optically active polymer to exhibit high poling efficiency; in situ poling and curing increased the Tgs of poly(amide-imide)–clay nanocomposites. Electro-optical coefficients, r33 of ∼17–20 pm/V (830 nm), were achieved; high temporal stability (120 °C) and waveguide optical losses of 3.4–3.9 dB/cm at 1310 nm were also obtained for poly(amide-imide)–clay nanocomposites.