Synthesis and characterization of a conductive and self-healing composite

An electrically conductive composite of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and polypyrrole (PPy) was prepared by solvent free synthesis. The PGS matrix was obtained with a 1:1 proportion of sebacic acid and glycerol. The PPy was prepared by chemical synthesis, using iron chloride as oxidant. Films containing 1, 3 and 5% PPy were prepared by adding the conductive polymer, as a finely dispersed powder, into the PGS pre-polymer matrix. PGS polymerization was confirmed by GPC, ATR-FTIR and NMR. Preparation time of the crosslinked film was decreased by 50% via the addition of PPy. The films were characterized by thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis, indicating a thermally stable composite. The matrix behaved as an elastomer at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of the composite films was in the order of 5 × 10−5 S/cm. Based on the chemical characteristics of the matrix, the self-healing properties of PGS and its composites with PPy were investigated. The results showed that the films can fully recover their mechanical strength after being cut and repaired at 130 °C for 24 h, retaining the electrical conductivity.