POLYPYRROLE-POLY(EPICHLOROHYDRIN-CO-ETHYLENE OXIDE) BLEND - AN ELECTROACTIVE, ELECTROCHROMIC AND ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL

We report on the preparation of an elastomeric blend with electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties similar to those of pure polypyrrole. The title elastomer used is an ionic conductor. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry experiments show the electroactivity of the blend. A transmittance contrast of 50% at 700 nm between the reduced and the oxidized forms of the blend is evidence of the pronounced electrochromism of the blend. Differential scanning calorimetry suggests an association of the guest conductive polymer with the ethylene oxide blocks of the rubber copolymer host. Stress-strain measurements show that the conductive polymer guest increases the rigidity and toughness of the elastomer host.