Carbonization and Graphitization of Anthracene Polymers

Abstract

Carbonization and graphitization behaviors of anthracene polymers were investigated to characterize the carbon products obtained. The polymers consisting of 3-4 anthracene units (Poly (9, 10-anthracene diylidene)) were synthesized by use of dehydration and polycondensation of polyphosphoric acids. The weight loss of the polymers occurs predominantly between 350-500°C and the yield of the products treated at 1000°C reaches 72-79%. It was found from the analyses of the evoluved gases and the FT-IR spectra that dehydrogenation at the terminal CH2 groups of the polymer and elimination of CO from quinone groups at the anthracene terminal take place at these temperature ranges. The carbonized product from anthrone polymer showed a fine mozaic texture although it melted at 290-300°C. This may be because the anthracene units are twisted with each other. Also, d002 spacing and La values obtained from X-ray diffraction profilesof the heat-treated polymer suggest that the graphitizability of the polymer is less enhanced even at high temperatures.