Copolymerization of aniline and styrene using various surfactants in aqueous media

Abstract Polyaniline/polystyrene (PAn/PS) copolymer was prepared in the aqueous solution by copolymerization of styrene and aniline using potassium iodate (KIO₃) and ammonium persulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈) as an oxidant in the presence of various surfactants such as poly(ethylene glycol), hydroxypropylcellulose, and surfactive dopant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. The PAn/PS copolymer was characterized in terms of conductivity, morphology, chemical structure, and glass transition temperature. The results indicate that the morphology, conductivity, and glass transition temperature of products are dependent on the type of surfactant. Furthermore, it was found that addition of styrene monomer into stirred aqueous solution influences the surface morphology. The chemical structure and glass transition temperature of product were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers