Phase transition of conducting polymer/clay nanocomposite suspensions under an electric field

Abstract

Nanocomposites of conducting polyaniline and poly(o-ethoxyaniline) with clay were synthesized via emulsion polymerization and solvent intercalation, respectively, and then applied for electrorheological (ER) materials under an applied electric field. The morphology and intercalated nanostructures were analyzed via TEM images and XRD spectra. The ER performances of synthesized conducting polymer/clay nanocomposites-based ER fluids dispersed in silicone oil were investigated, exhibiting both electric field-dependent shear stress and yield stress. A suggested Cho–Choi–Jhon model was further employed to describe the shear stress curves.

Keywords:

• electrorheological fluid
• polyaniline
• conducting polymer
• clay
• nanocomposite

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Inha University via U-8 Program (2009).