Luminescent guest–host composite films based on an azomethine dye in different matrix polymers.

New hybrid guest/host composite films obtained by dispersing a light-emitting azomethine dimer into three different matrix polymers have been studied. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), UDEL polysulfone (PSU) and chitosan were chosen as host matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements revealed the composite morphology and their thermal properties. UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated the influence of polymer matrix on the azomethine dye optical properties. The composite films exhibited strong photoluminescence emission when excited with maximum absorption wavelength. It was concluded that polysulfone is a good candidate in guest/host composite obtaining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]