Optical and structural properties of PMMA/C(60)composites with different concentrations of C(60)molecules and its possible applications

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Fullerene (PMMA/C-60) nanocomposites, with different concentrations of C(60)molecules (0.025 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, 0.075 wt.% and 0.1 wt.%), were synthesized and characterized by Magnetic Force Microscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Characterization had two main objectives: to identify C(60)molecules in the PMMA/C(60)complex and to evaluate the order of PMMA and C(60)molecules in it. Since the structural properties of PMMA/C(60)complex depend on the arrangement of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and C(60)molecules, it can be concluded that the structure of the complex directly correlates to the ratio of an unpaired/paired electrons within the material. To investigate the influence of different concentrations of fullerene molecules in PMMA on the attraction and the repulsion forces in material, based on paired and unpaired electrons, and ultimately on the complex structural and optical properties, Magnetic Force Microscopy was used. Investigation showed that PMMA/C(60)complex with 0.025 wt.% concentration of C(60)has the best structural and optical properties for applications in ophthalmology, and may be used as a new material for spectacles. UV-VIS Spectroscopic analysis in domain of 380 to780 nm showed that PMMA material with 0.025 wt.% concentration of C(60)reduces UV and high blue energy light for more than 60% and in new spectral scenario ratio of blue and green spectra is changed.