Synthesis and Properties of Novel Polyurethane Containing Nitrophenylazocatecholic Group as NLO Chromophore

The promise of NLO polymers lies in their higher nonlinear optical activity, faster response time, and easy fabrication into electro-optic devices. In the developments of NLO polymers for electrooptic device applications, stabilization of electrically induced dipole alignment is one of important considerations; in this context, two approaches to minimize the randomization have been proposed, namely the use of cross-linked systems and the utilization of polymers with high glass transition temperature (Tg) such as polyimides. A polyurethane matrix forms extensive hydrogen bonding between urethane linkages, with increased rigidity preventing the relaxation of induced dipoles. Polyurethanes functionalized with hemicyanine and thiophene ring in side chain show an enhanced thermal stability of aligned dipoles. Polyurethanes with NLO chromophores, whose dipole moments are aligned transverse to the main chains, show large second-order nonlinearity with good thermal stability