Synthesis and Characterization of Conducting Composites of Polypyrrole/Polypyrrole-Coated Short Nylon Fiber and Natural Rubber

Abstract

Pyrrole was polymerized in the presence of anhydrous ferric chloride as oxidant and p-toluene sulphonic acid as dopant. Polypyrrole-coated short Nylon fibers were prepared by polymerizing pyrrole in the presence of short Nylon fibers. The resultant polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole-coated Nylon fiber (F-PPy) were characterized using SEM and then used to prepare rubber composites based on natural rubber. The cure pattern, cure kinetics, filler dispersion, DC conductivity, mechanical properties and morphology of the resulting composites were studied. The presence of PPy-coated fibers in the natural rubber/PPy system reduced the cure time significantly. The DC conductivity of the composites was found to be better for the F-PPy system compared to PPy-filled NR composite. The F-PPy system also showed better tensile strength, modulus and tear resistance.