Conducting Polymers and Conductive Elastomers : Studies on conducting poly(p-phenylenediamine)and conductive Silicone and Nitrile Rubber

Conductive rubbers are being imported at a high cost. So the development of conductive rubbers in India is of prime importance. The primary aim of this work is the development of conductive silicone rubber, used for making conductive pads in telephone sets and calculators. The work envisages the comparison of conductivity and mechanical properties of silicone rubber and Nitrile rubber vulcanizates loaded with different amounts of conductive fillers. The effect of temperature is studied with the intention of generating conductive rubber, used for long-term and high temperature applications. Conductive nitrile rubber may be used where mechanical strength and oil resistance is needed along with electrical conductivity. Aromatic poly( azomethine)s are highly thermo-stable and possess a conjugated main chain and after doping, show electric conductivity . A new conducting polymer based on glyoxal and p-phenylene diamine - poly(p-phenylenediaminedizomethine) - , which has high thermal stability is prepared. Blends of the newly prepared polymer with polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and silica was studied to improve the processability and to decreases cost of the conducting polymer.