The effect of MnCl2 filler on the optical window and the physical properties of PMMA films

Abstract

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films filled with various mass fractions of MnCl2 were prepared by a casting method. The structural and electrical properties were investigated using the following techniques, IR (200–4000 cm−1), UV/VIS (200–800 nm), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dc electrical resistivity, dc magnetic susceptibility and electron spin resonance (ESR). The infrared analysis was used to clarify the structural variations due to filling level (FL). The assigned conjugated double bonds suggested the presence of polarons and/or bipolarons in the polymeric matrix. The FL dependence of certain IR absorption peaks was correlated with the obtained physical parameters characterizing the properties. The dc electrical resistivity was measured in the temperature range of 300–420 K. The temperature dependence of the dc electrical conduction was interpreted using a model based on the phonon-assisted charge carrier hopping between polarons and/or bipolarons. It is found that the calculated hopping distance depends on both temperature and FL. The UV/VIS absorption spectra were characterized by a well-defined window of wavelength range 367–578 nm and the depth of which depends on the FL. The measured dc magnetic susceptibility and ESR spectra are discussed.