Comparing the thermal elimination kinetics of two poly(p-phenylene vinylene) derivative precursors
Keywords:
conducting polymer, thermal kinetics, thermogravimetric analysis, poly(p-phenylene vinylene), precursor routeAbstract
In the field of conducting polymers, poly(p-phenylene vinylene)(PPV) and its derivatives are objects of much research, particularly for light-emitting diode applications. Due to their insolubility, PPVs are most commonly synthesized from processible precursor polymers by a thermal elimination route. This study focuses on the kinetics of the chlorine precursor route (CPR). The two chlorine precursor polymers of poly (2,3-diphenyl-phenylene vinylene) (DP-PPV) and poly (phenoxy-phenylene vinylene) (PO-PPV) are compared. Both polymers are examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and experimental data are analyzed using conventional kinetic methods. Activation energies and 60-minute half-life values at various points of thermal conversion (mass loss) are compared. Knowledge of kinetic parameters leads to a better understanding of the CPR and allows prediction of precursor stabilities.