Synthesis and characterization of a conductive and self-healing composite

An electrically conductive composite of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and polypyrrole (PPy) was prepared by solvent free synthesis. The PGS matrix was obtained with a 1:1 proportion of sebacic acid and glycerol. The PPy was prepared by chemical synthesis, using iron chloride as oxidant. Films containing 1, 3 and 5% PPy were prepared by adding the conductive polymer, as a finely dispersed powder, into the PGS pre-polymer matrix. PGS polymerization was confirmed by GPC, ATR-FTIR and NMR. Preparation time of the crosslinked film was decreased by 50% via the addition of PPy. The films were characterized by thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis, indicating a thermally stable composite. The matrix behaved as an elastomer at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of the composite films was in the order of 5 x 10(-5) S/cm. Based on the chemical characteristics of the matrix, the self-healing properties of PGS and its composites with PPy were investigated. The results showed that the films can fully recover their mechanical strength after being cut and repaired at 130 degrees C for 24 h, retaining the electrical conductivity.