OPTICAL AND THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(O-METHYLANILINE) FILMS

Poly(o-methylaniline) films have been deposited by electrochemical pol ymerization on transparent SnO2:F coated glass electrodes under galvan ostatic conditions. Effect of electrode conductivity, deposition time and applied current on the optical and thermal properties of the films have been investigated. The optical absorption spectra of films show a peak at approximately 800 nm and a shoulder at approximately 420 nm which is attributed to the transitions of lattice polaron. The shift i n absorption wavelengths related to the leucoemeraldine and emeraline salt forms of poly(o-methylaniline) as compared with the band position s in pure polyaniline, may be due to steric effect of the methyl subst ituent. The thermogravimetric analysis shows a three-step decompositio n of the polymer corresponding to loss of water molecules, loss of chl orine and hydrochloric acid, and decomposition and degradation of the polymer backbone respectively.