Solid phase photopolymerization of pyrrole in poly(vinylchloride) matrix

Electrically conductive films were obtained by solid phase photopolymerization of pyrrole (Py) into a poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) matrix. We attempted to characterize the structure, electrochemical and thermal properties, and morphology of the resulting polypyrrole/PVC blend. The blend obtained has low conductivity and rather poor electroactivity due to the loss of conjugation length of polypyrrole (PPy) provoked by halogenation. Micrographs of cryofracture surface suggested two distinct phases, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed a low thermal stability of the blend. On the basis of our experimental results, we propose a reaction mechanism that explains the PPy formation in solid phase induced by UV light.