The dyeing behaviour and optical properties of four novel dyes in PVA polarizing films were determined in terms of the linearity, hydrogen bonding ability, intermolecular interaction and transition moment. The linearity and H-bonding ability of the dyes were the dominant factors in terms of both the substantivity and orientation in PVA films, which, in turn, determined the dichroic ratios of the polarizing films. Dye adsorption and optical anisotropy of the dyes ...