A METHOD FOR ATTACHING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMER TO A RIGID, SEMI-RIGID OR FLEXIBLE POLYMER SUBSTRATE AND PRODUCTS OBTAINED BY THE METHOD

摘要

A new method for attaching an electrically conductive polymer to a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible polymer substrate is described. A layer of the conductive polymer is polymerised by chemical oxidation, e.g. using ferritosylate, followed by washing with a solvent which simultaneously removes residual salt and dissolves the surface of the polymer substrate. This results in an integration of the conductive polymer into the polymer network of the substrate. Several combinations of conductive polymers and substrates may be used, the most preferred combination being poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDT) on poly(methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. The mechanical and chemical properties of the conductive polymer/substrate surface closely resemble those of the substrate surface. The surface resistance of the conductive polymer layer remains low while the surface layer at the same time adapts some of the mechanical properties of the substrate yielding a high conductivity surface with very good wear resistance. The method can be used for the manufacture of microflow devices, circuits in active implants, sensors, e.g. disposable strips for measurement of blood sugar, medical devices and utensils, circuits in optical devices or circuits and components for electronic and photographic devices, e.g. OLED screens.