Morphology of Vapor Deposited Polyimides Containing Copper Phthalocyanine

AbstractA vapor deposition polymerization technique is applied to grow composite films containing polyimide and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc). Specifically, 4,4′‐oxydianiline and 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride are co‐evaporated in the presence of CuPc. Spectroscopy experiments confirm the formation of polyimide segments and suggest that embedded CuPc molecules have less mobility than pure CuPc films. Electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that the majority of CuPc initially assumes an amorphous phase. Upon curing, partial crystallization of CuPc occurs, forming small crystals (α phase) that are suspended in a polyimide matrix. These crystals exhibit enhanced thermal stability compared to pure vapor‐deposited CuPc.