Gels of poly(3-n-octylthiophene) : influence of the connectivity on the properties

Series of gels covering a wide range of crosslink ratios (from 1/1000 to 1/5) have been obtained by connecting poly(3-n-octylthiophene) chains with trithienylbenzenes. We have observed the variation of the swelling ratio, the glass transition temperature and the molecular weight (of the related soluble fractions) of the undoped networks with the crosslink ratio. These quantities exhibit a continuous change. This result is an indication of the homogeneity of the gel structures. Besides, we point out characteristics of the transport properties related to the connectivity.