Preparation and characterization of Pani and Pani-Ag nanocomposites via interfacial polymerization

Abstract

Polyaniline (Pani) and Polyaniline-silver nanocomposites (Pani-Ag) were prepared by employing interfacial polymerization using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. During the polymerization, the Ag+ is reduced to Ag0, and the formations of regular nanocomposite materials were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images were conducted to characterize the morphology. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis were carried out to study the thermal stability of the resulting composites. Formation of conducting emeraldine salt form was concluded by electrical conductivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:1668-1677, 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.