Preparation of conducting polysiloxane/polyaniline composites

Abstract

Polysiloxane/polyaniline microcomposites were prepared, in which polyaniline particles act as filler, thus combining the mechanical properties of polysiloxane matrix with conductivity of polyaniline. Two syntheses were evaluated: (1) homogeneous dispersion of a polyaniline colloid in the reaction mixture from which the polysiloxane matrix subsequently formed, and (2) the blending of previously prepared dry polyaniline particles with a liquid oligomeric siloxane resin followed by cure ("heterogeneous method"). Both methods lead to composites with evenly distributed filler. Electrical conductivity was achieved above 40 wt % of polyaniline, which is better obtained by the "heterogeneous" method. During the composite cure, the polyaniline particles, which are softer than the matrix, act as a catalyst and cause more efficient matrix crosslinking, thus leading to somewhat raised moduli. Although particulate fillers usually deteriorate the impact toughness, in the case of the prepared composites, the impact toughness was preserved due to the softer consistence of the filler, which hinders crack propagation.