Polymer/dye blends: Preparation and optical performance: A short review

This review focuses on the optimization of the optical performance of polymer/dye blends in which dyes are physically dispersed in polymer matrices. The optimization of the optical performance of polymer/dye blends is discussed in terms of: (i) the preparation procedure of polymer/dye blends (melt processing is considered particularly effective for producing polymer/dye blends with optimal dye distribution); (ii) mechanical and thermal solicitations after polymer/dye blend preparation; (iii) the polymer matrix, whose affinity for the dye and crystallinity affects the optical performance the polymer/dye blend; and (iv) the dye, whose chemical structure and concentration are significant determinants of the optical properties of polymer/dye blends.