Rapid formation and spectroscopic observation of polystyrene conjugation in individual micron-diameter particles with visible radiation

Rapid generation of polystyrene conjugation in individual micron-diameter particles isolated in a visible wavelength radiation trap is reported. Double-bond formation, as a result of radical recombination and hydrogen abstraction, in the backbone of the polymer chain is monitored by observing the magnitude and duration of emission from the polymeric particles. These processes, which ultimately lead to polymer degradation, are observed to be strongly dependent upon the thermal conductivity and polarity of the solvent used to suspend the particles. Doping the polymer with chemical modifiers containing chromophores in order to reduce photodegradation is demonstrated to be counterproductive.