| Studies were undertaken to advance phthalocyanines in applications other than their traditional use as a pigment additive. Because of the phthalocyanine's insolubility and chemical inertness, its characterization and reactivity have often been limited. Consequently, several alternative spectral and synthetic techniques were used to overcome such barriers.; Initially, a series of metal phthalocyanines were synthesized, along with their axially and peripherally functional analogues. After purification, the various phthalocyanines were analyzed by mass, ultraviolet-visible, and photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Electronic and vibrational excitations inherent to the phthalocyanine structure were observed for each analyzed species, and their characteristic band assignments are reported within.; In addition to this spectroscopic study, a new synthetic method for the preparation of poly(phthalocyaninato)silicon oxide is described. The method uses ultrasonic energy in the conversion of a silicon phthalocyanine dichloride monomer into a cofacially stacked (Si(Pc)O) {dollar}sb{lcub}rm n{rcub}{dollar} polymer with an average degree of polymerization of 48 repeating units.; Ultrasonic irradiation was also used in the grafting of silicon phthalocyanine dichloride monomer across the surface of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) film. Surface modification was accomplished by two different ultrasonic synthetic pathways: (1) a two step reaction involving elimination with a strong base, followed by a platinum insertion reaction; and (2) a one step Wurtz coupling reaction in the presence of a lithium coupling agent. Supplementary to ultraviolet-visible and attenuated total reflectance infrared data, surface sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to elucidate the bonding nature of the phthalocyanine grafts.; Lastly, a nickel phthalocyanine polyol was synthesized and incorporated into a high solids, melamine-based, polyester coating formulation. The oligomeric polyester served as a flexible chain spacer, thereby improving the overall performance properties of the coating. Enhancement of film hardness and mechanical dampening behavior was also observed to be dependent upon the concentration of crosslinked phthalocyanine moiety within the melamine-cured system. |
