| Abstract: | Composites of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) were prepared by entrapping diphenylamine (DPA) molecules into the matrix of TPU and polymerizing DPA within the TPU matrix. Swelling rate of the parent TPU and the composites in 1M LiClO4 in propylene carbonate solution were compared to understand the influence of the presence of PDPA in the composite in altering the morphology, conductivity, and electrolyte behavior. The nitrogen atoms in the PDPA interact and are likely to form hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl and ether groups in TPU. As a result, different morphology, thermal, and impedance behavior were witnessed for the composites in comparison to TPU. Results from differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, and ac impedance measurements were obtained as supporting evidences. An increase in glass transition temperature for the composite in comparison to TPU infers the increase in phase mixing of soft and hard segment of TPU. The SEM micrograph shows the presence of fibrillar morphology of PDPA molecules in the composite. The ionic conductivity of the swelled composite was 1‐fold higher than that of pure TPU. A schematic representation showing the interaction of PDPA molecules with TPU is presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 611–617, 2006 |
