SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF P-NITROPHENYLACETYLENE-PHENYLACETYLENE COPOLYMERS

Copolymers of phenylacetylene (PA) and p-nitrophenylacetylene (pNPA) w ith various monomers ratios were prepared and characterized. The solub ility of copolymers is dependent on the number of PA units in the chai n. They show a good degree of stereoregularity and the (M) over bar(w) s are in the 10(3)-10(5) a.m.u. range, depending on the monomers and c atalyst molar ratios. The soluble samples exhibit film-forming propert ies and the film-surface morphology may be varied by using different s olvents. The copolymers give good electrical response to relative humi dity variations. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.