In this paper, the preparation and characterization of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol composites is described. The polyaniline composite was synthesized by chemical polymerization of aniline in media containing polyvinyl alcohol (10%, w/w). Oxidation of aniline results in a stable water based polyaniline dispersion, which can be cast to form a mechanically robust film. The electrical conductivity of the films increased with increasing amount of polyaniline to a high value of 2.5 S cm(-1). Cyclic voltammograms revealed that the composite materials are electroactive. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.