Development and characterization of porous polypyrrole-polylactic acid electroactive blends

摘要

Conducting polymers have sparked much research interest due to their unique ability to be electrically stimulated. However, these polymers are very brittle and have poor mechanical properties. In order to improve upon its structural integrity, it can be blended with other host polymers that have better mechanical properties. These blended composites would then possess the benefits of conductive properties while having sufficient mechanical properties to be more suitable for practical applications. Polypyrrole-polylactic acid blends were processed using chemical oxidative polymerization and compression molding, followed by gas foaming and saturation techniques to create porous structures. Characterization of these porous blends included its physical, thermal, and mechanical properties.