Effect Of Molecular Structure On The Mechanical, Optical And Electrical Properties Of High Technology Fibers

The research efforts over the course of the last three years have led to the observance of a melt transition in the electroactive polymer polyaniline (PANI) in its base form which may facilitate some degree of melt processability. Structural characterization of films and fibers utilizing unique optical methods developed at Georgia Tech. has resulted in a new understanding of the relationship between the optical properties and the polymer morphology. This knowledge is necessary to the use of these materials in the developing light emitting diode technology and other photonic materials. These methods are applicable to a variety of different fibers and films. Fiber spun from leucoemeraldine base polyaniline (LEB/PANI) have tenacities of 5.2 g/d and after doping conductivities of better than 150 S/cm while maintaining tenacities of 3.2g/d. The mechanical properties of the fiber are more than adequate for a variety of commercial applications and the electrical properties are demonstrated to be tunable.