Using a TECNAI F30 transmission electron microscope (TEM), FEI, Hillsboro, OR, USA, operating at 300 kV and point-to-point resolution of 0.205 nm, the structural characterization of the samples deposited on carbon-coated copper grids was also executed. Finally, rheological measurements were carried out by a parallel plate rheometer stress tech HR at 200°C. Samples of MEH-PPV

and CdS/MEH-PPV nanocomposites, with a relative weight ratio of 1:4, were prepared by casting of solution in chloroform to obtain 1-mm thick films in order to evaluate the influence of CdS NCs inclusion on MEH-PPV film mechanical properties. Results and discussion Thermolytic process and thermogravimetric FK228 analysis The thermolytic process to obtain CdS NCs is described by the following scheme: (1) Thermogravimetric analysis, reported elsewhere [13], shows that the imidazole ligand is broken when the temperature reaches about 100°C, while the remaining metal bis(thiolates) decompose in a second step forming cadmium sulphide when temperature reaches 180°C. Our studies demonstrated that annealing temperatures of about 180°C to 200°C are required for the formation of CdS NCs. However, this finding implies that the thermal E7080 order stability of the polymer

at these annealing temperatures must be also assured. In fact, the thermal stability of polymers is one of the most important properties for CP673451 ic50 both processing and application [20]. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimerty (DSC) signals of MEH-PPV film show the polymer degradation in the temperature range 25°C to 600°C, in inert atmosphere (Figure 2). The first weight loss on TG curve in the temperature range Ketotifen 200°C to 300°C is associated to the decomposition of MEH group (first broad exothermic peak on DSC curve). The

weight loss occurred at higher temperature is associated to a double exothermic peak and corresponds to the decomposition of PPV structure. Consequently, our results show that MEH-PPV films are still stable at the used annealing temperatures and the polymer decomposition becomes critical at temperatures >200°C consistent with the decomposition of MEH side groups and PPV backbone at low and high temperatures, as reported in the literature [21]. Figure 2 TG and DSC signals of MEH-PPV film. In argon atmosphere and recorded in the temperature range 25°C to 600°C (heating rate, 10°C/min). Optical spectroscopy analysis The absorption spectra of the [Cd(SBz)2]2·MI/MEH-PPV samples with a weight/weight ratio of 1:4 recorded before and after the annealing process are shown in Figure 3.