Development and characterization of adjustable refractive index scattering epoxy acrylate polymer layers

Abstract

Several polymer films for improved optical properties in optoelectronic devices are presented. In such optical applications, it is sometimes important to have a film with an adjusted refractive index, scattering properties, and a low surface roughness. These diffusing films can be used to increase the efficiency of optoelectronic components, such as organic light-emitting diodes. Three different epoxy acrylate mixtures containing Syntholux 291 EA, bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate, and Sartomer SR 348 L are characterized and optimized with different additives. The adjustable refractive index of the material is achieved by chemical doping using 9-vinylcarbazole. Titanium nanoparticles in the mixtures generate light scattering and increase the refractive index additionally. A high-power stirrer is used to mix and disperse all chemical substances together to a homogenous mixture. The viscosity behavior of the mixtures is an important property for the selection of the production method and, therefore, the viscosity measurement results are presented. After the mixing, the monomer mixture is applied on glass substrates by screen printing. To initiate polymerization, the produced films are irradiated for 10 min with ultraviolet radiation and heat. Transmission measurements of the polymer matrix and roughness measurements complement the characterization.