Novel Cross-Linked Luminescent Silicone Composites Based on Reactive Nanostructured Organosilicon Luminophores

Abstract

New functional silyl hydride and vinyl containing methylphenylsiloxane oligomers were synthesized by a polycondensation reaction in the active medium being the solvent, the catalyst and the reactant simultaneously. Hydrosilylation of them in the presence of 0.1 - 3 wt. % of novel reactive nanostructured organosilicon luminophores (NOLs) containing different central luminescent and 2,2’-bithienyl peripheral light harvesting fragments with terminal undecylenic groups led to crosslinked silicone composites with valuable luminescence in different regions of the visible spectrum (blue, yellow or red). Investigation of their optical properties revealed that their absorption and luminescence spectra correspond to those of the diluted solutions of the reactive NOLs used. These findings indicate the absence of any aggregation of NOLs in the crosslinked silicon composites confirming their excellent optical quality. High thermal stability of the reactive NOLs (up to 370 ^∘C in argon) and the silicones themselves indicate their great potential for creation of highly efficient thermo and radiation resistant plastic scintillators.