Abstract
This work focused on a mutual comparison and characterization of the physicochemical properties of three-component polymer composites. Binary polyaniline–chitosan (PANI–CHT) composites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of PANI onto CHT. Ternary composites were prepared by blending with a third component, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composites with variable PANI:CHT (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25) weight ratios were prepared whilst fixing the composition of PVA. The structure and physicochemical properties of the composites were evaluated using thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) and spectroscopic methods (infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)). The equilibrium and dynamic adsorption properties of composites were evaluated by solvent swelling in water, water vapour adsorption and dye adsorption isotherms. The electrical conductivity was estimated using current–voltage curves. The mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and correlated with the structural parameters of the composites. The adsorption and swelling properties paralleled the change in the electrical and mechanical properties of the materials. In most cases, samples with higher content of chitosan exhibit higher adsorption and mechanical properties, and lower conductivity. Acid-doped samples showed much higher adsorption, swelling, and electrical conductivity than their undoped analogues.
Highlights
Polyaniline (PANI) is among a series of unique polymers studied in recent decades
NMR and IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the components, where it was inferred that cross-linking occurs between CHT and PANI via hydrogen bonding, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) forms weak nonspecific interactions
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a broad endotherm region related to the water sorption at micropore and surface sites, where the effect was more pronounced at higher CHT content
Summary
Polyaniline (PANI) is among a series of unique polymers studied in recent decades. The growing attractiveness, such as ease of preparation, low cost, and its multitude of applications owes to its remarkable properties. PANI-based materials are widely used in catalysis, adsorption, solar cells, battery production, gas and vapour sensors, etc. PANI can be prepared in various product morphologies [11], where it can be combined with other polymers to prepare composite materials [12]. Such composites may have tunable properties, depending on the type of components and their composition. This study reports on three-component (ternary) polyaniline-based composite materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
