Systematic luminescence studies of polystyrene bearing stilbenoid side chains

Four different series of polystyrene graft copolymers with stilbene moieties in the side chains were synthesised. Two of these series had the side chains attached to the polystyrene backbone through a flexible ether linkage, whereas in the two other series they were attached more rigidly. The UV-VIS absorption and emission spectra were recorded and compared to those of the respective blends of stilbene derivatives in polystyrene. None of the graft copolymers showed aggregate formation in the absorption spectra, but some aggregate emission was observed, particularly at higher loadings.