Conductive Blends of π-Conjugated Polymers and Thermoplastic Polymers in Latex Form

Abstract

By using Fe(III)-, Fe(II)-, or Cu(II)-H2O2 oxidation systems, latex form conductive blends of thermoplastic polymer with π-conjugated polymer, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3-methoxythiophene) were prepared via in situ polymerization in aqueous media containing latex particles. The oxidation system did not give apparent disturbance to the stability of the latex. Morphology study carried out by SEM and TEM showed that the latex polymer particles were uniformly coated by π-conjugated polymer even at relatively low π-conjugated polymer content (4 wt%). Parameters (pH, oxidant concentration, etc.) affecting the preparation and morphology of the blends were examined. The blend recovered by removing water by evaporation showed electrical conductivity of 0.02–0.92 S cm−1.