Diphenylsilane-containing linear and rigid whole aromatic poly(azomethine)s. Structural and physical characterization

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2018-08, Vol.150, p.232-243
• Main Authors: Tundidor-Camba, A., González-Henríquez, C.M., Sarabia-Vallejos, M.A., Tagle, L.H., Sobarzo, P.A., González, A., Hauyón, R.A., Mariman, A.P., Terraza, C.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Band gap values; Conductivity; Silylated-poly(azomethine)s; Thermal stability; π-conjugation
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.07.038

Six new whole aromatic poly(azomethine)s with different rigidity were prepared from three diamines and two dialdehydes, all of them containing a diphenylsilane moiety as a central structural element. Two amines containing biphenyl moieties were obtained for the first time. Thus, the synthesized polymers contain two silicon atoms in the repeat unit, where methyl and/or phenyl groups bonded to them, complete the tetra-valence of the heteroatom. The new materials were structurally characterized by means of FT-IR, solid NMR and elemental analysis. Solubility was tested in several organic solvents at room temperature and 40 °C and the inherent viscosity was determined. GPC analysis showed oligomeric chains of five repetitive units for the tested samples. Additionally, thermal behavior was studied by TGA and DSC analysis, by evidencing materials highly stable and rigid. Band gaps values ranging between 2.71 and 3.14 eV were obtained from UV/Vis and DRS analysis. The spin-coating technique was used to prepare films from soluble samples in NMP and their thicknesses were determined by the ellipsometric method. From these samples, and using AFM and four-point techniques, the effect of the annealing time on the roughness and conductivity of the films was studied. In accordance with the appropriate thermal and conductivity properties of the new silylated materials (which has a whole aromatic structure), could be proposed as an alternative for applications in the optoelectronics field. [Display omitted] •Synthesis and properties of diphenylsilane-containing poly(azomethine)s.•Rigid whole aromatic oligomer chains with high thermal resistance.•Potential silylated materials for sunlight optoelectronic applications.