Abstract
In this article, some advantages and disadvantages of the incorporation method of azobenzene moieties in several polymer matrices (polymethacrylate, poly(styrene-alt-maleimide), poly(oxazoline-co-methacrylate), poly(methacrylate-co-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy-silane)) are highlighted. Their physical properties (molecular weights, glass transition temperatures, chromophore load, solubility, and solvatochromism) are discussed with regard to their macromolecular architecture. Solvent effect on the UV-Vis absorption spectra of azo-polymers was investigated using Reichardt’s solvent polarity scale and Kamlet-Taft multiparameter equation. Kamlet-Taft equation revealed that hydrogen bond acceptor properties and dipolarity/polarizability of the solvent have a significant contribution upon the solvatochromic behaviour of azopolymers. Keywords: azobenzene, side-chain polymers, solvatochromism, Kamlet-Taft equation