Synthesis and characterization of polypyrrole/organoclay nanocomposite

Soluble polypyrrole (PPY) was synthesized using sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (NaDEHS) as a doping agent and then adopted to prepare an intercalated PPY/organo clay nanocomposite. Insertion of the PPY polymer chain into the layer of clay was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction. Its various physical characteristics were also examined via a TEM, SEM, TGA and NMR. Furthermore, its electrorheological (ER) property when the nanocomposite particles were dispersed in silicone oil was examined under an applied electric field.