FILM SUBSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF ELECTROCHEMICALLY PREPARED POLYPYRROLE

The film substructure of electrochemically prepared polypyrrole (PPy) films doped with p-toluene sulfonate has been studied using electron a nd optical microscopy. The solution surface of the films contained cha racteristic nodular features, which cap underlying cone-shaped structu res. The PPy was shown to be optically active, indicating a degree of molecular anisotropy. Examination of fracture surfaces after tensile t esting showed that fracture proceeded around the cones, indicating tha t cone boundaries are points of weakness.