SYNTHESIS OF A HEXAFLUOROPROPYLIDENE-BIS(PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE)-BASED POLYIMIDE AND ITS CONDUCTING POLYMER COMPOSITES WITH POLYPYRROLE

A new electrically conducting composite film from polypyrrole and 4,4' -(hexafluoroisopropylidene)-bis(phthalic anhydride)-based polyimide wa s prepared. Pyrrole and the dopant ion can easily penetrate through th e polyimide substrate and electropolymerize on the platinum (Pt) elect rode due to the swelling of the polyimide on the metal electrode. The electrochemical properties of polypyrrole-polyimide (PPy/PI) composite films have been investigated by using cyclic voltammetry. The PPy/PI composite film is suitable for use as the electroactive material owing to its stable and controllable electrochemical properties. The electr ical conductivity of composites falls in the range 0.0035-15 S/cm. Sca nning electron micrograph, FTIR, and thermal studies indicate that PPy and PI form a homogeneous material rather than a simple mixture. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.