Polyaniline–polycarbonate blends synthesized by two emulsion pathways

Abstract

Electrically conductive polyaniline–polycarbonate blends of different compositions (10, 30, 50 and 70 (w/w)) have been synthesized by the inverted emulsion and emulsion methods. While in the emulsion method the oxidant used is the conventional ammonium persulphate, a new organic oxidant namely benzoyl peroxide is employed in the inverse emulsion method. Polymerization of aniline was carried out in chloroform as the dispersed phase and HCl as the dopant. The blends were precipitated out using a suitable solvent. Spectroscopic studies have been utilized to characterize the blends. The polyaniline content in the blend was estimated using N/C ratio. The degradation temperature of the blends is lower than that of the polycarbonate and hence blends do not offer any advantage to the thermal stability of the polyaniline salt. They however show relatively better mechanical strength and conductivity. The method of synthesis determines the morphology and particle sizes of the blends and those prepared by the emulsion method have smaller particle size and better mechanical properties.