Synthesis, characterization and electrorheological properties polyindene/calcium carbonate composites

In this study, synthesis, characterization and ER properties of polyindene (PIn) and polyindene/calcium carbonate (PIn/ CaCO3) conducting composites were carried out by cationic polymerization. In the experiments, FeCl3 was used as oxidizing agent and the ratio of salt: monomer was 2:1 First, polyindene was synthesized and obtained with 70% yield. Then, PIn/CaCO3 composites containing various amount of PIn were synthesized. The homopolymer and composites were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods, Gouy Balance and dielectric measurements. Süspansions of PIn and PIn/CaCO3 composites were prepared in silicone oil, at a series of concentrations ( c = 10?25%, m/m) and their sedimentation stabilities were determined. The effects of dispersed particle concentration, particle size, shear rate, electric field strenght, frequency and temperature onto ER activities of süspansions were investigated. Key Words : Polyindene, polyindene/CaCO3 conducting composites, electrorheological fluids.