The structure and electro‐mechanical properties of novel hybrid CNT/PANI nanocomposites

Abstract

Electrically conductive elastomeric nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polyaniline (PANI) are reported in the present investigation. The synthesis procedure included an in situ inverse emulsion polymerization of aniline doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) in the presence of CNT and dissolved styrene‐isoprene‐styrene (SIS) block copolymer. The PANI synthesis step was carried out by applying ultrasonic energy. The dispersions obtained were processed by two methods: a recently developed precipitation‐filtration procedure, and a conventional drop‐cast procedure. The techniques developed resulted in homogeneous exfoliated PANI coated nanotubes within the elastomeric matrix. The presence of CNT/PANI in the SIS elastomeric matrix affects thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. The formation of continuous three‐dimensional CNT/PANI networks prepared via the precipitation‐filtration method enhances the nanocomposite properties. Contrarily, the intermittent three‐dimensional network prepared by conventional drop‐cast method leads to inferior properties. Nanocomposites produced by both techniques are observed by HRSEM. The two processing techniques result in different structures, which affect the physical properties of the materials produced. A relatively low percolation threshold for both methods was determined. The Young's modulus of the SIS/CNT/PANI significantly increased in the presence of CNT. The precipitation‐filtration technique yields an improved nanocomposite product compared to the drop‐cast route. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:788–794, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers

Conductive elastomeric nanocomposites based on oxidation of aniline with silver nitrate via inverse emulsion polymerization

“…Poly(styrene‐ block ‐polyisoprene‐ block ‐polystyrene) elastomer self‐assembles in methanol and causes “islands” formation during the vacuum filtration step. The self‐assembling behavior is due to the methanol being a non‐solvent . Conductive PANI/Ag particles are swept away by the SIS particles that form a continuous conductive network.…”

“…The elastomeric “islands” display a diverse size distribution, varying from nano to the micron scale. The size of the “islands” depends on the concentration of the conductive particles and the formation process as described elsewhere . The inset below shows the magnified fragment of Figure a.…”

Tailoring electrical and thermal properties of polymethyl methacrylate‐carbon nanotubes composites through polyaniline and dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid impregnation

“…Recent studies showed that the in situ polymerization of PANI in the presence of CNTs is found to be a good approach for the homogenized dispersion of CNTs in the reaction system . PANI wrapped the CNTs via Van der Waals interaction and π–π stacking could control its shape, electrical conductivity and make them useful in plastic electronics . On the other hand, surfactants also play an important role in the field of nanocomposites.…”

Chemical synthesis and characterization of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid-doped polyaniline/viscose fiber

“…11,12 Compared with inorganic acid, organic acids containing large alkyl groups not only have high thermal stability, but also can improve the melting and solution processability of PANI. [11][12][13] Moreover, template synthesis of PANI composites is an effective method to improve the processability of PANI. A stoichiometric mixture of aniline monomer (ANI) and DBSA reacts to form a ne stable dispersion of PANI in the aqueous medium.…”