Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Kevlar/Polypyrrole Composite Fibers

Electrically conducting composite polypyrrole/poly(p-phenylene-terephthalamide) (PPTA or KEVLAR) fibers have been prepared by chemical polymerization of pyrrole within the interstices of the hydrogen-bonded gel structure of never-dried PPTA fibers. The resultant fibers contain a uniform dispersion of polypyrrole, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of these hybrid fibers is presented. The conductivity is well described by the fluctuation-induced charge transport model over the entire temperature range of interest. However, the low temperature electrical conductivity also exhibits a hopping-like temperature dependence, and an Arrhenius-like temperature dependence is observed in the high temperature limit. Measurements of the temperature-dependent thermopower are indicative of a p-type carrier. This article is from 'Multifunctional Materials Held in Boston, Massachusetts on November 29-December 1 1989. Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings. Volume 175,' AD-A253 089, p331-336.