Thermal characteristics of chemically synthesized polyemeraldine base have been experimentally investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-visible, and Fourier transform TR techniques, respectively. Results of the TGA measurements have revealed that the chemically synthesized emeraldine base is thermally stable up to about 400 degrees C. The effect of temperature on time taken for crosslinking in the polyemeraldine base has also been studied. Analysis of reaction kinetics of crosslinking in polyemeraldine base reveals that a pseudo first-order thermodynamic reaction occurs in this conducting polymer. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.