| Abstract: | The effects of the pyrolytic temperature on the structure of the pyrolyzed polypyrrolone (PMDA-DAB) films were investigated. The structure of pyrolyzed PMDA-DAB film was characterized by elemental analysis, XPS spectra, x-ray diffraction, and SEM images. It suggests that the pyrolysis process of PMDA-DAB films consists of carbonization and graphitization processes, and the transitional temperature is at ca. 800°C. During carbonization process (Tp < 800°C), most oxygen is removed and the enhancement of conductivity with the pyrolytic temperature may be due to an extended conjugation of π-electron orbitals resulting in an increase of the number of charge carriers. During graphitization (Tp > 800°C), both oxygen and hydrogen are removed completely, and an increase in the mobility of charge carriers may increase conductivity with pyrolytic temperature. A graphite-like structure with heterocyclic rings containing nitrogen atoms is proposed for the PMDA-DAB film pyrolyzed at 1200°C. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
