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

We report on the preparation of an elastomeric blend with electrochemi cal and spectroelectrochemical properties similar to those of pure pol ypyrrole. The title elastomer used is an ionic conductor. Cyclic volta mmetry and chronoamperometry experiments show the electroactivity of t he blend. A transmittance contrast of 50% at 700 nm between the reduce d and the oxidized forms of the blend is evidence of the pronounced el ectrochromism of the blend. Differential scanning calorimetry suggests an association of the guest conductive polymer with the ethylene oxid e blocks of the rubber copolymer host. Stress-strain measurements show that the conductive polymer guest increases the rigidity and toughnes s of the elastomer host.