Influence of FeCl3 filler on the structure and physical properties of polyethyl-methacrylate films

Pure and FeCl3 doped polyethyl-methacrylate (PEMA) films were prepared and studied. XRD, FTIR, TGA, UV, DSC and ESR techniques were used to investigate the structural properties of PEMA. X-ray scans (XRD) reveals the presence of some crystalline phase, in PEMA matrix. This concentration of these phases was found to depend upon FeCl3 concentration. The IR results manifested the conclusion about the specific interaction in polymer matrices and hence the complexation. TGA data clarified that addition of FeCl3 to PEMA films enhances the thermal stability of PEMA. UV results reveal that FeCl3 filler significantly influences the optical energy gap Eg. DSC results reflect also the formation of some ordered crystalline phases with concentration depending on FeCl3 contents. Distribution of ferric ions in the PEMA matrix was interpreted in terms of ESR spectra.