Effect of electron irradiation on P4VP/PTSA complex and P4VP/Phthalocyanine composites

Abstract Effect of electron irradiation on the optical and electrical properties of poly(4vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) complexed with P -toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) and composites of P4VP with copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) have been studied. In the optical spectra of the complex and composites, there is a shift in the absorption peak towards lower energy side and broadening of the peaks in case of composites after irradiation indicating the possibility of unsaturation. The FTIR analysis after irradiation shows the shift of number of peaks towards higher and lower energy sides. Shift in typical major peaks like CN, C–H are interpreted as due to the crosslinking or creation of unsaturated bonds. From electrical studies, it is seen that for lower dose of irradiation (1 kGy) there is no significant change but for higher doses the current conduction increases substantially. The permanent and temporary defects produced in the polymer matrix seems to affect the I/V characteristics of the complex and composites.