Thermo-oxidative stability of a conjugated polymer by chemiluminescence

Abstract Conjugated polymers based on 1,4-phenylenevinylene units are very promising materials for applications as light-emitting diodes. A major requirement is their stability at elevated temperatures of operation. The thermo-oxidative behaviour of a soluble poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) derivative, poly[2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene], was investigated by using chemiluminescence and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. Extremely sensitive chemiluminescence is successfully applied since even minor chemical changes could lead to a considerable loss of photo- and electro-optical properties. Various degradation processes are described as a function of time and temperature and their influences on functional properties are discussed. The investigated material does not show sufficient thermo-oxidative stability within the temperature range of intended use in contact with air. For industrial application, direct contact with oxygen during processing and operation has to be avoided.