A complex of Eu(C10H8N2O2)2 (NO3)3, in different amounts [0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2 wt % with respect to the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)], was doped into PMMA matrix and the resulting formulation deposited by a solvent casting technique. Each complex-doped PMMA composition was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime analysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The structural properties of the composites are discussed on the basis of the results from these analyses. The chelate-doped PMMA shows good luminescence properties with relatively long life times. It has been shown that the fluorescence life time of the complex-doped PMMA composites varies with the amount of the chelate molecule in the composite. The results from the fluorescence analyses suggest that, in the doped systems, the microenvironment around the central metal ion changes with composition. The optical properties of the system vary with composition. The observations should be of value to the development of superior luminescent materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers