Abstract: A conductive elastomeric foam composite is presented, comprising an elastomer foam and polypyrrole, thiophene, or aniline and derivatives thereof. The foam is manufactured by first diffusing an oxidant into the dense polymer phase of a solvent-swollen foam and then diffusing pyrrole or pyrrole derivative vapor or solution into the dried foam, resulting in an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole at the oxidant site. Only about 5 wt % of conductive polymer is required for observing an insulator to conductor transition. The conductivity of the composite foam can be effectively controlled between 10−7 and 10−1 S/cm by varying either the amount of oxidant used and/or the copolymer composition.

Abstract: A conductive elastomeric foam composite is presented, comprising an elastomer foam and polypyrrole, thiophene, or aniline and derivatives thereof. The foam is manufactured by first diffusing an oxidant into the dense polymer phase of a solvent-swollen foam and then diffusing pyrrole or pyrrole derivative vapor or solution into the dried foam, resulting in an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of pyrrole at the oxidant site. Only about 5 wt % of conductive polymer is required for observing an insulator to conductor transition. The conductivity of the composite foam can be effectively controlled between 10.sup.-7 and 10.sup.-1 S/cm by varying either the amount of oxidant used and/or the copolymer composition.

Abstract: An electrically conductive elastomeric foam is presented. Preferably, the elastomeric foam comprises polyurethane foam and in accordance with an important feature of this invention, the elastomeric foam is rendered electrically conductive by incorporating therein electrically conductive fibers. As used herein, a "fiber" has a diameter greater than or equal to one micron, and an aspect ratio (length/diameter) greater than or equal to fifteen. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the elastomeric foam is prepared from a polyurethane stock comprised of a polyhydroxyl compound, an organic polyisocyanate compound, a catalyst, a foam stabilizer and an amount of electrically conductive fiber which is effective to render the elastomeric foam electrically conductive.