Effect of methaacrylic acid on the structure of Eu:YAG-PMMA composites

Polymeric composites of lanthanide-doped materials were recently considered as potential candidates for the development of light emitting diodes, lasers and luminescent concentrators for solar cells. In particular, nanoparticles of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) doped with cerium ions embedded in polymetylmetacrylate (PMMA) have been valuable for white LED devices [1,2]. Different structures and micromechanical properties have been observed when the methacrylic acid (MAA) is present in the composite. With the aim to understand the effect of MAA on the composite structure, a series of Eu:YAG composites prepared by in situ polymerization starting from mixtures of MAA and methylmetacrylate (MMA) were investigated. The structure were investigated by using Small Angle X-ray Scattering, X-ray Diffraction, and 13C Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning NMR. The last technique gave information also about the interactions between the components. Results will be presented and discussed.