PROCESSING-INDUCED CHROMISM IN THIN-FILMS OF POLYTHIOPHENE DERIVATIVES

Langmuir-Blodgett films of amphiphilic poly[3-oligo(oxyethylene)-4-met hylthiophene] have been obtained. The resulting thin films are poorly conjugated, with a maximum of absorption at 405 nm which remains almos t constant upon heating or cooling. In contrast, cast thin films of th is polymer exhibit a maximum of absorption at 550 nm and show interest ing thermochromic effects. These results to indicate that the method o f pre paration of thin films can have a significant influence on the c onformational structure of the polymer at room temperature and, conseq uently, on its thermochromic behaviour.