In-situ polymerized polyaniline films: 5. Brush-like chain ordering

The polymerization conditions for preparation of ordered in-situ polymerized polyaniline (PANI) films were established. The thickness of films deposited on glass can be controlled by the time spent in the reaction mixture and varied up to ca. 250 nm. The PANI chains initiated on the glass surface are expected to grow mostly perpendicularly to the support. The concept of brush-like ordering of PANI macromolecules in the films is discussed on the basis of optical anisotropy measurements. The observed linear relation between film thickness and molecular weight of PANI also supports the ordering hypothesis. The differences observed in absorption FTIR spectra of PANI films and powders are discussed.