Synthesis of polyacene quinone radical polymers with controllable conductivity and their electrorheological behavior

Polyacene quinone radical (PAQR) polymers were synthesized by the step-growth condensation of aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives reacting with pyromellitic anhydirde via a simple solvothermal method. The morphology and structures of PAQRs with varied polymerization processes were confirmed by the analysis of X-ray, IR, SEM and Raman measurement. The effects of different aromatic hydrocarbons on the synthesis of PAQR polymers were investigated and then utilized as an electrorheological (ER) material by dispersion in silicone oil. The ER performances are investigated as a function of electric field strength by using a rheometer, and the relationship between the conductivity and ER properties of different PAQR polymers are discussed.