Formation of Solid Phases by Coagulation Of A Monodomain Nematic Solution of Poly(P-Phenylene Benzobisthiazole)

Abstract

The effect of the coagulation environment on the nature of the solid phase formed from solutions of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) in polyphosphoric acid is studied. Coagulation in water results in formation of the crystalline polymer phase. A novel crystal-solvate phase, a co-crystal of the protonated polymer and the acid anion, is formed by coagulation in a mixture of phosphoric acid and water. The key to formation of the crystal-solvate phase is controlled deprotonation of the acid solvent without deprotonation of the polymer.