Conducting polymers (CPs) have been a prime topic in materials research in recent years due to their remarkable electrical and optical properties. In addition to their demonstrated use in solar cells, diodes, and transistors, CPs have become a popular substitute for metals in devices that electronically interface with biological tissues. Unfortunately these polymers tend to be brittle and inelastic due to their inherent conjugated backbone, limiting these prospective applications. To combat this issue, we are investigating the effects of crosslinking on the mechanical and electrical properties of polypyrrole and polythiophene-based films. To synthesize such materials, the two ends of a flexible polyether were functionalized with either pyrrole or thiophene-based monomers. By controlling the stoichiometry, differing amounts of these bi-functional crosslinking groups were then incorporated into conducting polymer films via electropolymerization. Here we report the mechanical, physical, and electrical properties of films containing different proportions of crosslinker as characterized using FTIR, CV, SEM, DMA, TGA, DSC, and conductivity measurements.

Tailoring the mechanical properties of conducting polymer films via crosslinking

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.