POLYANILINE - SOLUBILITY IN SULFURIC-ACID, SOLUTION PROPERTIES AND PROCESSING

The solubility of polyaniline (PANI) in H2SO4 is investigated with particular emphasis on the stability of the polymer in this strong acid. Very little degradation of polyaniline is observed in these solutions at room temperature. However, it was found that common organic solvents and simple purification methods have a detrimental effect on the solubility of polyaniline in H2SO4. Some evidence of structural change in the polymer is observed which suggest the possibility of crosslinking of the polymer. The processability of these solutions is explored with emphasis on manufacturing composite fibers of PANI with poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA). It was found that these fibers show electronic conductivity at polyaniline concentrations well below the theoretical percolation threshold.