Stability increase of poly (3-hexadecylthiophene) doped with FeCl3 in an atmosphere of selected gases (O2, SO2, NO2) and water vapour by γ-radiation

The γ-radiation influence on the thermal stability of poly (3-hexadecylthiophene) (PHDT) doped with FeCl3 in the surrounding atmosphere of selected gases (O2, SO2(NO2) and water vapour has been studied. The γ-radiation effect decreases the rate of diffusion of the investigated gases into the polymer mass as a consequence of crosslinking of the polymer system. The strong oxidant (NO2) stimulates the oxidative degradation of PHDT, The γ-radiation effect causes a conversion of the bivalent iron to trivalent.