Influence of 2-Mercaptopyridine on the Structural and Functional Behavior of Polyphenylene Sulfide

The modification of high-performance polymers through small functional molecules offers an effective route for tuning their structural and functional characteristics. In the present study, the influence of 2-mercaptopyridine on the structural and functional behavior of polyphenylene sulfide is systematically examined to elucidate the underlying molecular interactions and their consequences on material performance. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how the incorporation of 2-mercaptopyridine affects the polymer framework at the molecular level. Structural analysis reveals that the interaction between polyphenylene sulfide chains and 2-mercaptopyridine induces noticeable changes in molecular organization and electronic distribution. These modifications contribute to altered functional behavior, including variations in electronic response and overall material stability. The study further highlights the role of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing functionalities in facilitating intermolecular interactions, leading to enhanced electronic communication within the polymer system. The observed changes in functional behavior are closely correlated with modifications in molecular structure, demonstrating a clear structure–function relationship. This work provides valuable insights into the controlled modification of polyphenylene sulfide using heteroatom-rich molecules and underscores the importance of molecular-level design strategies for optimizing polymer properties. The findings are expected to support the development of advanced polymer systems with tunable characteristics suitable for emerging applications in functional materials, electronics, and related technologies.