Effects of water phase concentration on the emulsion polymerization of polyaniline

Abstract

The emulsion polymerization of aniline in three-phase system of xylene-functionalized protonic acid-water was carried out using (NH₄)₂S₂O₄ as oxidant. The influences of water phase concentration on the viscosity, conductivity, transmittance of polyaniline(PAN) latex and its powders were studied. The results show that the properties of PAN prepared through the emulsion polymerization are influenced by the amount of water used in the polymerization. The morphology of PAN varies with the water phase concentration used in the polymerization, which may result in the change of properties of PAN latex and its powders. When the volume fraction of water (φ) is about 20%–30%, the prepared PAN powder has higher conductivity, and the PAN latex has appropriate viscosity and particle size. The consumption of xylene was reduced at high φ value.

Keywords

polyaniline / emulsion polymerization / water concentration / property