Search for: All records

Abstract This work presents improved compatibility in an elastomer/π‐conjugated polymer blend through side chain functionalization of the electronic polymer. Poly[(3‐(6‐bromohexyl)thiophene)‐ran‐(3‐hexylthiophene)] (P3Br_xHT,x = 0%–100%) was synthesized (i) to improve miscibility with polybutadiene (PB) elastomer through altered π–π interactions and (ii) to covalently bond across phase‐segregated interfaces. Functionalization led to morphology with reduced domain sizes to improve crack onset strain from 7% to 40%. Furthermore, UV‐activated crosslinking reinforced mechanically weak interfaces and yielded at least an additional 40% increase in crack onset strain. Charge mobility in PB/P3Br_xHT organic field‐effect transistors showed minimal dependence on bromide concentration and no negative effects from crosslinking. Functionalization was an effective method to reduce brittleness in PB/P3Br_xHT blends through morphology modification and crosslinking to improve stability towards strain for potential stretchable electronic applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry