Structuring caused by diazonium-salt photolysis products in poly(oxiethyl methacrylate)

Thermomechanical and holographic methods have been applied to the changes caused in the matrix in poly(oxiethyl methacrylate) POEMA due to photlysis of a diazonium salt dissolved in it, with reference to 2,5-diethoxy-4-N-morpholinophenyldiazonium borofluoride. The measurements on the thermomechanical parameters and on the elastic modulus as a function of temperature indicate that the photolysis does not lead to covalent bonds between the macromolecules. The photolysis mechanism and these data suggest that the D8 groups in the POEMA are esterified by the photolysis products, which leads to a hydrophilic polymer matrix composed of oleophyl parts in the illuminated areas. There are differences in optical parameters between the illuminated and unexposed parts of the POEMA, which can be detected in a hydrophyl solvent, as has been confirmed by holography.