Mechanical properties of polyaniline

In spite of extensive electrical characterization of polyaniline, the information on its mechanical properties is missing in the literature. Complex Young's modulus of polyaniline compressed into pellets was measured at room temperature and an influence of preparation conditions of the polyaniline pellets on mechanical properties was studied. Young's modulus of PANI hydrochloride pellets was 0.9 ± 0.2 GPa and that of polyaniline base 1.3 ± 0.2 GPa. These values are comparable with common polymers, such as bulk polystyrene, 1.8 ± 0.1 GPa, or compressed polystyrene powder, 0.80 ± 0.02 GPa. Modulus of polyaniline is independent of the compression pressure above 300 MPa, the time of compression had no effect.