Electrically conducting polymers from conjugated bis‐phthalonitrile monomers

Abstract

AbstractElelectrically conducting polymers have been synthesized from completely conjugated bisphthalonitrile monomers. The monomers melt and are thermally polymerized at 260–300°C in air and then are converted into conductive materials by further processing at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere. Because the monomers remain in a liquid stage for 1–2 h, depending on the cure conditions, moldings, castings, and pre‐pregs can be fabricated using conventional processing techniques. The conductivity can be varied from that of an insulator to approximately 10+2(Ωh cm)−1. For example, after a 600°C treatment, the conductivity is approximately 1(Ω cm)−1. Since reactive dopants are not used, the material and conductivity are stable in ambient as well as more aggressive environments, allowing them to function at 300°C and above. The monomers are well characterized, but the structure of the cured and postcured polymers are not yet well defined because of their high stability and intractability in the cured state.