Electrically Conductive Polystyrene/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites Prepared via Emulsion Polymerization

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles in polystyrene (PS) matrix were synthesized by emulsion polymerization using ferric sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and n-amyl alcohol as an oxidant, emulsifier and dopant, and co-emulsifier, respectively. The content of PPy nanoparticles in the composites varied from 14.11 to 34.63 wt%, as calculated from elemental analysis. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed spherical nanopartciles of PPy with diameters of 30–74 nm were well dispersed in PS matrix. It was found that the thermal stability and electrical conductivity of PS/PPy composites increased with increasing content of PPy nanoparticles.