Polypyrrole/Clay Nanocomposite and its Electrorheological Characteristics

Abstract

An inverted emulsion pathway to synthesize conducting polypyrrole(PPy) into a layer of inorganic clay within a nano level is investigated, using doedecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as both an emulsifier and a dopant. The existence of the intercalated polymer was verified by an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. ASEM analysis indicated that the shape of both the PPy and PPy/clay nanocomposite (PPCL) was irregular and their sizes were within a range of 10~20 ㎛. Furthermore, the electrorheological (ER) behavior of the PPCL-based ER fluid was also investigated using a rotational rheometer equipped with a high voltage generator in both a controlled shear stress mode and a controlled shear rate mode.