| Abstract: | An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) based on poly(N-butyl 2-ethynylpyridinum bromide) (PB2EPB) and polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) has been prepared and characterized. The simultaneous full IPNs of PCU and PB2EPB have two glass transition temperatures corresponding to those of the linear chain blends measured by DSC. This suggests immiscibility of the two networks in the IPNs. The IPNs display a multiphase morphology which is confirmed by SEM observation. The full IPNs exhibit excellent solvent resistance, good thermal stability and good mechanical properties. High UV absorption of these materials extending to the visible range and beyond indicates that the polyacetylene network is extensively conjugated. The electrical conductivity of the IPNs increases linearly with increasing polyacetylene content reaching 10-4 S/cm. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
