Modulation of the response of polymer materials through molecular interactions and nanodispersion

stract: Relevant examples are described here concerning the light response of polypeptides bearing covalently bound photochromic groups in the side chains and the optical properties changes of nanocomposites from organic dyes aggregates dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The former system shows how the light induced structural changes in side chain chromophores can be amplified by the attached macromolecular response. The latter system provides evidence of the optical smart response to polymer/organic chromophores nanocomposite.