Synthesis and characterization of conducting polymer blends of poly(3-alkylthiophenes)

Poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (alkyl > butyl) are soluble in several common organic solvents and, furthermore, are melt-processable at temperatures below 200°C. They can be blended with thermoplastics and elastomers in the molten state using a Brabender, blow molding or extrusion molding, or they can be hot-pressed on a substrate. After doping these blends can reach conductivities as high as high as 1 S/cm. We have studied the chemical and physical properties of poly(3-octylthiophenes) (POT), including how the polymerization route affects the molar mass, how the POT content in the blends or doping time affect the conductivity and how stretching affects the conductivity of POT and its blends.