Synthesis and Characterization of Processable Conducting Polyaniline/Polystyrene Composite

The preparation and characterization of polyaniline/polystyrene (PANI-PS) composite are described. The polyaniline composite was synthesized by chemical polymerization of aniline in polystyrene emulsion matrix. The effects of dioctyl phthalate (DOP), N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) and mineral oil as plasticizer on improving the processability of PANI-PS composite are investigated by melt flow index (MFI) determination. It has been found that, among three tested plasticizers, DOP is more compatible with the composite. Using 35% (w/w) DOP, the MFI value of 0.093 g/10 min was recorded at 170ºC. The DSC measurements of PANI-PS composite show a softening point at 106ºC indicating that the obtained composite is melt processable above this temperature. Based on solubility studies, the composite is soluble in conventional organic solvents. The conductivity of about 0.013 S/cm is obtained for a free standing film of composite. Also the composite has shown excellent adhesion properties onto the steel plate. Cyclic voltammetric studies have revealed that the synthesized composite is electroactive, too.