Synthesis and characterization of nanometer-sized polypyrrole composites

Stable core-shell polypyrrole (PPy) dispersions were prepared by using polystyrene (PST) or poly (styrene-co-butyl acrylate) (PST-co-BuA) as the core, and polypyrrole as the shell. SEM images showed that PPy/PST composites with a thin homogeneous overlayer of polypyrrole can be prepared when uncharged polymeric stabilizer is grafted onto the particle surface. Composite particles with raspberry morphology were obtained when the core particles were stabilized by surfactant with charge. The stability, morphology and conductivity of PPy composites have been investigated.