Structural Characterization of PPV Films with Extension

PPV films were made at Clemson University. The precursor films were stretched at 60 °C and then converted at 200 °C at fixed length. Near infrared wave guide coupling, polarized infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photography were used to follow the structural changes of PPV films with extension. Results from all three techniques show a general trend of increasing molecular orientation with stretching, with the 100% stretched film showing the highest orientation.

Dichroic ratio of pi bands is greater than 1 and increases with draw ratio, showing greater molecular orientation along the draw direction with drawing.

Dichroic ratio of sigma bands is less than 1 and decreases with draw ratio, also showing greater molecular orientation along the draw direction with drawing

X-ray diffraction data.

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