Conducting polymer/clay nanocomposites and their applications

Abstract

This review aims at reporting on interesting and potential aspects of conducting polymer/clay nanocomposites with regard to their preparation, characteristics and engineering applications. Various conducting polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole and copolyaniline are introduced and three different preparation methods of synthesizing conducting polymer/clay nanocomposites are being emphasized. Morphological features, structure characteristics and thermal degradation behavior are explained based on SEM/TEM images, XRD pattern analyses and TGA/DSC graphs, respectively. Attentions are also being paid on conductive/magnetic performances as well as two potential applications in anti-corrosion coating and electrorheological (ER) fluids. Copyright © 2008 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.