Xiaohang Xie

Abstract

Phenylacetylene and 1-hexyne were polymerized using single-site catalysts, such as zirconocene dichloride, ethylene bis(indenyl) zirconium dichloride, and bis(imino)pyridyl iron(II) chloride. In all cases, methylaluminoxane was used as cocatalyst. The polymerization activities were comparable to those of the conventional titanium tetrabutoxide / aluminum triethyl catalyst and, in some cases, superseded its activities. By FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, the ratio of cis to trans isomer in the polymer was determined, whereby the catalysts led to formation of more of the cis isomers (57.3%). The polymers were further characterized by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and solubility studies. The latter indicated the absence of any cis-cisoidal isomer. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to be Mn ca. 2500 g/mol. PPA-carbon nanotube composites were also made using the iron-based catalyst to improve the stability of the polymer, which could be shown by TGA. Finally selected polymers were tested for their electroconductivity.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Polymerization; Catalysts; Polyacetylenes

Publication Date

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Chemistry (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Chemistry and Materials Science (COS)

Advisor

Massoud Miri

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at QD381 .X53 2004

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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