From a model of delocalized triplet energy in an aromatic vinyl polymer, the relative efficiency of triplet-energy transfer to either an added or copolymerized quenching molecule is determined. It is found that copolymerization can increase the photoprotective efficiency only if the quenching rate is determined by the final energy transfer step. A study of the quenching of polystyrene phosphorescence by added or copolymerized naphthalene indicates that there is no enhancement of quenching efficiency by copolymerization.

Copolymerization can enhance photoprotective efficiency in aromatic vinyl polymers when the quenching rate is determined by the final energy transfer step, but not in polystyrene phosphorescence quenching.

Polymer photoprotection by copolymerized triplet quenchers

Key Takeaway: Copolymerization can enhance photoprotective efficiency in aromatic vinyl polymers when the quenching rate is determined by the final energy transfer step, but not in polystyrene phosphorescence quenching.