Polymer that responds to
ultraviolet or
visible light by exhibiting a change in its physical properties or its chemical
constitution.
Notes:
- Examples of the changes in photosensitive polymers are a change in molecular shape (photo-responsive polymer), a change in its constitution (photo-reactive polymer), and a reversible change in color (photochromic polymer).
- Photosensitivity in photosensitive polymers means that the polymers are sensitive
to the irradiated light leading to some change in properties or structure. It is different
from photosensitization.
-
Source:
PAC, 2004, 76, 889
(Definitions of terms relating to reactions of polymers and to functional polymeric
materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2003))
on page 901