Some aspects of preparation methods and properties of polyaniline blends and composites with organic polymers

Interest in applications for polyaniline (PANI) has motivated investigators to study its mechanical properties, the thermostability of its conductivity, its processibility, etc. and its use in polymer composites or blends with common polymers. As a result, several methods to produce composites/blends containing PANI have been developed, allowing the preparation of a wide spectrum of such materials. Here, generalized approaches for the preparation of such materials are reviewed. Specifically, we consider two distinct groups of synthetic methods based on aniline polymerization either (1) in the presence of or inside a matrix polymer or (2) the blending of a previously prepared PANI with a matrix polymer. Some aspects of these methods are analyzed, emphasizing features that determine properties of the final composites/blends. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.