Synthesis and Electrorheological Characteristics of Conducting Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of conducting polymers of polyaniline (PANI), poly(oethoxyaniline) (PEOA) and polypyrrole (PPy) with clay prepared via either in-situ emulsion polymerization or solvent intercalation were investigated especially for electrorheological fluid (ER) application. Internal structures of these nanocomposites were examined via wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The intercalated nanostructures analyzed via WAXD and TEM were correlated with the electrical property change originated from the nanoscale interaction between clay and conducting polymer. Moreover, their ER behaviors were measured via rotational rheometer with external electric field controller.