Compatible Conjugated Blends: Impact on the Morphology and Mechanics of Flexible Electronics

Conjugated polymers show great promise for next generation flexible electronic devices, but there remains a need to balance both mechanical and electrical property. Previously, my lab engineered a partially conjugated polymer (PNDI-C4), which exhibits high ductility upwards of 400% strain, but reduced charge mobility relative to fully conjugated polymer (PNDI-C0). Here, we explore the influence of compatible conjugated blends (PNDI-C4 as the soft matrix and PNDI-C0 as the electrically active component) on polymer morphology, mechanics, and electrical property. We will achieve a fundamental understanding of blend morphology for these similar components by establishing the framework for how they deform with strain. To achieve this, we propose to employ wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) to monitor the crystalline alignment, polarized UV-Vis to monitor the full chain backbone alignment, AFM to monitor surface alignment, and device fabrication to monitor electrical property. Additionally, blends of PNDI-C0 and PDMS will be compared to determine if the partially conjugated polymer promotes the desired morphology for enhanced mechanics and electrical properties. The overall result of this presentation will clarify the use of flexible partially conjugated polymers as the matrix in blend systems as well as demonstrate fundamental understanding of blend morphology for similar components.