This is the first report on the preparation and characterization of a polyaniline/poly(butyl acrylate-vinyl acetate) composite. The composite was prepared by the emulsion polymerization of aniline in a medium containing poly(butyl acrylate-vinyl acetate). Films prepared from the composite (cast from an aqueous medium) had excellent mechanical properties and could be stretched up to 900%. The resultant composite was soluble in common organic solvents, and a stable water-based dispersion could also be prepared. An electrical conductivity of 2.2 S cm(-1) was obtained. Cyclic voltammograms revealed that the composite was electroactive. It had excellent adhesion to either glass or steel plate. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.