Design,synthesis and characterization of semi‐conducting interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of pyridine and poly(antimony acrylate)

A new series of semi‐conducting interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on pyridine and poly(antimony acrylate) were synthesized. Structural evidence for IPNs come from the infrared spectra indicating characteristic frequencies of (>C = O) of poly(antimony acrylate) at 1680 cm^?1. Properties such as percentage swelling, average molecular weight between crosslinks (M_c) and Young's modulus are direct functions of the concentration of linear polymer and initiator (benzoyl peroxide), whereas inverse relationships with concentration of monomer (pyridine) and crosslinker (divinyl benzene) are observed. The presence of antimony in the IPNs is determined by SEM and elementac analysis. The DSC curve shows two glass transition temperatures (T_g), at 110 and 150 °C. The IPNs formed with a low content of pyridine exhibited processability, mechanical properties and conductivity. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry