1 research outputs found
Elastomeric Conducting Polyaniline Formed Through Topological Control of Molecular Templates
A strategy for creating
elastomeric conducting polyaniline networks
is described. Simultaneous elastomeric mechanical properties (<i>E</i> < 10 MPa) and electronic conductivities (σ >
10 S cm<sup>–1</sup>) are achieved <i>via</i> molecular
templating of conjugated polymer networks. Diblock copolymers with
star topologies processed into self-assembled elastomeric thin films
reduce the percolation threshold of polyaniline synthesized <i>via in situ</i> polymerization. Block copolymer templates with
star topologies produce elastomeric conjugated polymer composites
with Young’s moduli ranging from 4 to 12 MPa, maximum elongations
up to 90 ± 10%, and electrical conductivities of 30 ± 10
S cm<sup>–1</sup>. Templated polyaniline films exhibit Young’s
moduli up to 3 orders of magnitude smaller compared to bulk polyaniline
films while preserving comparable bulk electronic conductivity. Flexible
conducting polymers have prospective applications in devices for energy
storage and conversion, consumer electronics, and bioelectronics