Synthesis and characterization of a poly-tetraaniline-urethane/Ag-nanowire or/graphene conductive elastomer

Abstract

Tetraaniline-containing poly(urethane-urea) (TAPU), a new material, was synthesized in this study and blended with Ag nanowire (≤ 3 wt.%), denoted as TAPU/A, or graphene (≤ 3 wt.%), denoted as TAPU/G, to form a conductive elastomer. The conductivities can be improved from less than 10⁻¹⁰ S/cm, for pure PU, to 6 × 10⁻² S/cm, for the TAPU/A 3 %. The tensile strength and modulus were increased twofold and 20- to 60-fold, respectively, for TAPU/A 3 % or TAPU/G 3 %. The viscoelastic creep was simulated effectively using a Burgers model. Additionally, TAPU/A and TAPU/G demonstrate a higher viscosity, a higher retardation time, and a lower compliance D ₁ than regular TAPU does. TAPU/Ag and TAPU/G exhibit less elasticity but more insignificant permanent deformation than TAPU does, because the additives function as a chain holder. The stretching tension induces the orientation of silver nanowire or graphene. Such orientation is believed to affect electrical conductivity positively. The solid form of the elastomer, TAPU/A or TAPU/G, can be heated and dissolved in a solvent to be reshaped, indicating that this compound is uniquely reworkable.