Degradation of Electrodeposited Polypyrroles

The degradation behaviour of polypyrroles with p-toluene sulfonate, perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate counter-ions has been studied using several techniques. The kinetics of conductiv ity decay in several environments have been measured and activation energies determined. XPS has been used to characterise the polymer surface and chemical changes to the polymer backbone and counter-ion monitored with time at elevated temperatures. The XPS study has been complemented by static SIMS. SEM has been used to follow changes in morphology in polymers aged in air, oxidising environ ments and exposed to UV Changes in mechanical behaviour are correlated with thermogravimetric data. A variety of stabilisers were incorporated into the polypyrrole and the effect upon durability moni tored. Those methods and materials which give significant enhancement in behaviour will be dis cussed.