The Effect of Additives on the Radiation-Induced Coloration of Photochromic Dithienylethene Derivatives

The effect of the addition of metal complexes and aromatic compounds on the radiation-induced coloration of polystyrene films containing 1,2-bis(2-methyl-5-phenyl-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene was examined to develop a sensitive reusable color plastic dosimeter. By the addition of metal complexes, the radiation sensitivity increased along with an increase in the atomic numbers. When aromatic compounds, such as naphthalene, biphenyl, and acenaphthene, were added to the polymer film, the coloration sensitivity increased, while the addition of anthracene and pyrene decreased the sensitivity. Excitation energy transfer from the sensitizers to the dithienylethene is considered to play an important role in the radiation-induced coloration in polystyrene films containing the additives.