Key words: : polymers, Eu(Fod)3, photoluminescence, supercritical impregnation, water molecules, temperature bleaching of luminescence
The effects of temperature and humidity on optical properties of transparent polymers
impregnated with Eu(Fod)3 molecules (fod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluor-2,2-dimethyl-
3,5-octadionate) using supercritical carbon dioxide were studied. Two bands of
Eu(Fod)3 spectra both in polycrystalline phase and in polymer matrix are revealed,
related to two different forms of these molecules. To explain the observed degradation
of absorption and photoluminescence spectra of polypropylene film impregnated with
Eu(Fod)3, the model of atmospheric H2O interaction with Eu(Fod)3 molecules in
polymeric matrix was suggested. The effects of reversible temperature bleaching of
Eu3+ luminescence was observed and discussed in the context of fabrication of
temperature sensor.