Stability of processed poly(3-octylthiophene) and its blends

Electrically conducting poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) and blends thereof have been processed and analyzed. Processing was done by extrusion using POT as the electrically active component the insulating polymer matrix being EVA, PE, PP, PS or PB. For these basic studies the in situ doping was done by I₂, FeCl₃ and sulfonic acid. Room temperature conductivity was used to probe the percolation of the conductivity as a function of matrix and dopant concentration. The measured conductivities varied between those of the insulating matrices and 1*10^-2Ω^-1cm^-1. The long term stability of the conductivity was measured in various atmospheres at room temperature as well as elevated temperatures. The effect of stabilizers was also studied.