Abstract
Statistical properties of well-defined fully conjugated poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) gels are explored above glass transition and fusion temperatures by varying the cross-link functionality, f, and the cross-link concentration, Ri. Four series of gels are prepared using four different cross-linking agents. The state of gel connectivity, characterized by the gel fraction is found to depend on the distance to the gelation threshold, ε, expressed within a mean-field percolation approach. In the range of explored cross-link densities, 1H NMR and swelling experiments reveal that the active structural strands of both dry and swollen gels are the linear chain segments defined by adjacent cross-links. These segments are disengaged from one another in swollen gels. The two variables, chain segment contour length and ε, are functions of the product fRi. This parameter is the relevant variable for the description of POT gel structures: master curves of the quantities gel fraction, swelling ratio, and 1H transverse relaxation rate are obtained versus fRi.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
