Properties and thermal decomposition of polypyrrole prepared in the presence of sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate

Polypyrrole (PPy) was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous solution containing an oxidant, ferric sulfate, or potassium peroxydisulfate and an anionic surfactant, sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT). The addition of AOT to the polymerization mixture leads to the incorporation of the anionic surfactant into the structure of the polymer. as well as to its improved conductivity. Non-isothermal thermogravimetry runs revealed that the decomposition of PPy into volatiles is influenced by the presence of AOT. the latter having the stepwise decomposition into volatiles much more pronounced than it corresponds to original ratio of both AOT and PPy in a composite. Non-isothermal thermogravimetry records were, analyzed as being composed from 3 independent processes from which the degradation products are formed. They involve AOT and PPy decomposition and ultimately the formation of carbon and inorganic residue.