Sevil, U. A.Güven, O.Süzer, S.2016-02-082016-02-0819981089-5647http://hdl.handle.net/11693/25457Electrical conductivity of blends and composites of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with nonconducting polyaniline (PANI) increases when they are subjected to γ-rays or UV radiation. This is attributed to a radiation-induced dehydrochlorination (loss of HCl) of PVC, which in turn oxidizes (dopes) PANI within the PVC matrix causing the increase in electrical conductivity of these films. XPS, UV - vis - NIR and FTIR spectroscopic methods are used to characterize and verify this novel process. After the films are subjected to γ-rays (or UV radiation) the intensities in the XPS spectra of both -N+- and Cl- peaks increase, confirming the increase in charged species within the PVC matrix. Similar observations attributable to radiation-induced electrical conductivity are also observed in both the UV - vis - NIR and FTIR spectra. This radiation-induced conductivity can also be reversed to some extent by further exposing the films to NH3 vapors, where the oxidized centers are partially reduced (undoped). Several UV/NH3/UV cycles can be performed without much loss in conductivity- and/or conductivity-related spectroscopic features. The onset of the photoinduced conductivity both in PVC-only and PVC/PANI composite films is determined to be 300 nm (4.1 eV), which coincides with the first UV absorption band of PVC.EnglishAmmoniaComposite materialsElectric conductivityFourier transform infrared spectroscopyGamma raysLight absorptionOxidationPolymer blendsPolyvinyl chloridesUltraviolet radiationX ray photoelectron spectroscopyDehydrochlorinationPolyanilineConductive plasticsArticle10.1021/jp980369z