Synthesis and characterization of conjugated and nanostructured poly(propargyl alcohol) polymers

New types of π-conjugated and colored poly(propargyl alcohol) polymers (poly-PGA) were prepared by the polymerization of propargyl alcohol (PGA) monomer in different media under the action of high energy photons, γ-rays, without the use of catalysts. The polymerization conditions depend on the used solvents (water, chloroform and dimethylformamide) and gases (O 2 and N 2 ). A singlet and broad electron paramagnetic resonance signal was observed in poly-PGA polymers, indicating the presence of free electrons and the delocalization of electrons through the polymer π-backbone. The synthesized polymers have FTIR bands (C=C) in the range of 1607–1652 cm −1 and an absorption broadband in the spectrum range of 305–316 nm. The poly-PGA polymers which synthesized in chloroform and DMF exhibited amorphous structures as approved by XRD results. In addition, both TEM and DLS measurements showed the formation of nanostructured polymers in the shape of nano-spheres, nano-stars and nano-networks depending on polymerization conditions. Radiation polymerization of the monomer in chloroform produced a polychlorinated polymer as demonstrated by EDX analysis. The polymers have optical band gaps in the range of 2.85–3.50 eV and conductivity in the range of 2.45 × 10 −6 to 9.43 × 10 −7 depending on the polymerization conditions and the media used.