The Application of Buckingham π Theorem to Modeling Polypyrrole Synthesis done by Chemical Oxidative Polymerization

Abstract

Buckingham π theorem was applied to model polypyrrole synthesis done by inverse emulsion polymerization route using Methanesulfonic acid as a dopant and potassium persulfate as an oxidant. A list of independent parameters on which polymerization depends was selected and by means of Buckingham theorem a functional relation between three dimensionless quantities; percent yield, conductivity and temperature was obtained. The actual form of the function was determined on the basis of experimental analysis and linear regression analysis. The accuracy of the proposed application was scrutinized by synthesizing pristine polypyrrole salt by the said polymerization route. It was corroborated from the experiment that the increase in percent yield and conductivity was directly proportional to the increase in oxidant concentration. Conductivity as high as 3.77 S/cm was obtained with a maximum percent yield of 94.54% at a moderate temperature range (293 K-298 K).