Polymer-Conducting Polymer Composites

ORAL

Abstract

Polyaniline is a conducting polymer with high electrical conductivity, good thermal and thermo-oxidative resistance, and poor mechanical properties. To overcome these weaknesses, the conducting nanoparticles were dispersed within polymeric matrices characterized by high mechanical strength or high elasticity. Such composite materials found applications as lightweight antistatic materials (at low doping levels) and electromagnetic shielding capabilities (at high doping levels, typically above the percolation threshold for electrical conductivity) and exhibit potential applications as metamaterials. Nanosized particles of polyaniline were dispersed within polymeric matrices (polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, and polyethylene). The thermal properties were investigated by Thermal Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. FTIR/ATR, Raman spectroscopy, and Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy provided additional information about the effect of nanofiller on the polymeric matrix. Electrical (dc) measurements confirmed the increase of the electrical conductivity as the concentration of conducting nanoparticle is increased and revealed a broad percolation behavior. The effect of the conducting nanofiller on the mechanical properties is reported.

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Authors

  • Juan Monrreal

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Heinrich D. Foltz

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Elsa Garcia

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Karen Lozano

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Marcos Villareal

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Dan Suson

    Chairman, STW Committee, South Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society, Texas Instruments, Region 9 Education Service Center, Montgomery High School, Texas A and M University, Texas Regional Collaborative, Lake Highlands High School, Department of Physics, Sam Houston State University, Texas Texas U.- Biological Science, JILA, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad 380009, India, Purdue University at Calumet, TSAPS President, TSAAPT President, University of Texas Pan American, UTSA

  • Magdalena Dorina Chipara

    University of Texas Pan American

  • Mircea Chipara

    University of Texas Pan American