Modification of non-Newtonian flow behavior of aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) by conducting polypyrrole prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole

The rheological behavior of an aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polypyrrole (PPY) dispersions prepared by ferric chloride (FeCl3)‐catalyzed polymerization of pyrrole was investigated at 12°C using a coaxial rotational viscometer. The results show that the addition of a low dose of FeCl3 to the PVA solution greatly influences its rheology. The prominent shear‐thickening (dilatant) nature of PVA turns significantly pseudoplastic (shear thinning) in the presence of FeCl3. Polypyrrole‐loaded PVA was obtained in a stable, optically clear dispersion by in situ polymerization of pyrrole in an aqueous PVA solution (5%) using FeCl3 as the oxidative catalyst at 12°C. The PPY dispersions in aqueous PVA systems having a low loading of PPY and low Fe+3 content retain the dilatant character of an aqueous PVA solution; however, for an aqueous PVA system having a relatively high PPY loading and also a high Fe+3 content, prominent pseudoplastic (shear thinning) behavior is exhibited. The odd novel rheological patterns exhibited by a PVA solution in the absence and presence of FeCl3 and the PVA–PPY dispersions containing FeCl3 under different sets of conditions are explained on the basis of the complexation of PVA by Fe+3 and related ions and also as a consequence of some degree of H‐bonding and chemical grafting between the support polymer PVA and the PPY formed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3737–3741, 2004