Optical properties of silica MFI doped acrylamide-based photopolymer

The optical properties of acrylamide-based photopolymer doped with pure silica MFI-type zeolites are studied by refractometric and spectrophotometric means. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy are used for zeolite characterization, and laser refractometry and white light interferometric profilometry are used for surface characterization of the composites. The refractive indices and absorption coefficients of the composites are determined from their transmittance and reflectance spectra. The calculated dispersion curves are further used for deriving the zeolite's refractive index and porosity, and the porosity is compared to the values of total pore volume obtained from N₂-sorption measurements. The impact of the doping level on the composite's optical properties both on the surface and in the volume are discussed.