Enhanced electrical and optical properties of iodine doped LDPE films

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to dope Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) with iodine and to study the effect of iodine doping on the optical band gap of LDPE films. The DC conductivity measurements and UV/Vis spectral studies are employed to characterize the samples. Iodine treatment induces colour change in the polymer film which supports the interaction between iodine molecules and polyethylene chains. I2 molecule links the polymer chains electronically and provides conducting path ways by forming DA complexes. The absorption band of complex films has extended to the visible and near infrared region of the spectrum. Further there are discernible shifts found in the energy gap and band edge towards lower energies on doping with iodine. This is essentially due to the formation of strong DA complexes upon iodine doping which improves the conducting behaviour.