Synthesis of conducting block and graft copolymers with polyether segments

Abstract

Synthesis of block and graft copolymers containing polyether and conducting polypyrrole sequences were described. Pyrrole moieties were incorporated at the chain ends of polytetrahydrofuran and polysiloxane and at the side chains of polyethyl vinylether by ionic polymerization and appropriate chemical reactions. Subsequent electropolymerization with pyrrole through these moities yielded free standing films of the corresponding block and graft copolymers. The formation copolymers was evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy and extraction with solvent of the precursor homopolymers. The thermal and morphological properties were also characterized. The two surface of the copolymer films generally differ in appearance, the surface at the solution side being cauliflowerlike or wrinkled, whereas the surface at the electrode side smooth. Conductivies of the copolymers were comparable with that of the pure polypyrrole.