Effect of the dispersion of the chromophore on the optical performances of polarizers from polyethylene and 5"-thio-(3-butyl)nonyl-2,2′:5′,2"-terthiophene

Abstract

A new polyethylene-compatible terthiophene chromophore, 5"-thio-(3-butyl)nonyl-2,2′:5′,2"-terthiophene, with melting point lower than 0°C was prepared and used for linear polarizers based on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy indicate that the new chromophore is dispersed uniformly in films of UHMWPE obtained by casting from solution. The films show excellent dichroic properties (dichroic ratio 30) at rather low drawing ratio (≈ 20). Moreover, qualitative agreement is observed with the Ward pseudo-affine deformation scheme.