Electrochemical polymerization and characterization of polyindene and polypyrrole/polyindene copolymer

This study covers the synthesis of conducting polyindene and polyindene/polypyrrole copolymer by electrochemical way of constant potential electrolysis and cyclic voltametry. The polymers obtained in various conditions have been characterized using FT-IR Spetroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Conductivity technique. FT-IR spectrum in the spectral range of 4000-500 cm-1 is used to characterize the structural organization of polymer samples. The conductivities of polymers were measured by four-probe technique. Specific conductivities of polyindene samples were found to be in the order of 10-5 Scm-1, whereas specific conductivities of copolymer samples were found to be in the range of 4.68×10-3 S/cm with 1.20×103 Scm-1. As a result, copolymer had a beter conductivity than polyindene, due to presence of polypyrrole. Thermal stability of polyindene polymer types was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal degradation temperature and residue are observed from thermogravimetric curves, ranged from 20 ºC to 800 ºC. SEM images of polyindene samples show granular structures, while SEM images of copolymer samples show cauliflower structure. Some related properties of polymer samples mentioned above were examined depending on some parameters such as temperature, electrolysis period, concentration, applied potential etc.