Synthesis and investigation of a photosensitive, europium-containing polymer

A series of europium complexes containing polymeric reactivity groups have been successfully synthesized using a simple method. Among them, Eu(DBM) 2 (Phen)(MA), which has the best fluorescence properties and solubility, was polymerized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) for use as a novel UV-written polymer material. The Poly (GMA-co-Eu(DBM) 2 (Phen)(MA)) containing different proportions of europium were prepared, and their spectroscopic properties were investigated in detail. Polymer films with optimum proportions (a molar ratio between GMA and Eu(DBM) 2 (Phen)(MA) of 15) exhibited good UV light lithograph sensitivities, strong visible fluorescence intensities, high glass transition temperatures ( T g : >170   °C), good thermal stabilities ( T d : up to 295   °C) and solvent resistances after crosslinking. Micro patterns with smooth top surfaces were fabricated from the resulting polymer by using direct UV exposure and chemical development.