Low temperature solid state processing of pure P3HT fibers

Abstract

Fibers of pure poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) of 1 and 2 mm diameter, were produced from solid state processing at temperatures of 200, 150 and 100°C, i.e. up to more than 100 °C below the melting point of P3HT (∼240 °C), using a small device reminiscent with the early stage polymer extrusion machines. The fibers produced by this method are continuous and mechanically robust. WAXS results show that the macromolecular chains of P3HT are preferably oriented along the fiber axis. This study clearly shows, for the first time, that P3HT fibers can be processed without solvents well below the polymer's melting temperature. © 2013 © 2013 Author(s).