Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films filled with (x)CsBr(15 - x)MnCl2, where 0.0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 15%, were prepared by a casting technique. The crystal structure properties of the prepared films were examined by XRD, DTA, and FTIR. A correlation between XRD, DTA, and FTIR of the filled polymer was discussed. Optical absorption measurements revealed two optical band gaps (E-g1 and E-g2). The electrical properties were studied using do electrical conductivity. The filling level (FL) dependency of E-g1 and E-g2, thermal activation energy (DeltaE), and hopping distance (R-0) are given to illustrate the behavior of the filled polymers. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.