Structural, microstructural, electrical, thermal and non-isothermal degradation kinetic studies on technologically important poly(aniline)/CdO nanocomposites

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to prepare polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites. The CdO nanoparticles were obtained by the sol–gel method. The PANI-CdO nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization technique. The chemical structure of CdO, PANI and PANI nanocomposites were confirmed by FTIR and XRD techniques. The surface morphology of CdO and PANI nanocomposites was investigated using SEM. The TEM analysis was used to confirm the actual particle size of the CdO nanoparticles. The morphology and surface roughness of the prepared composites were examined with the help of atomic force microscopy. The band gap values of PANI and PANI nanocomposites were determined using Tauc’s plot. The thermal properties of PANI nanocomposites were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. The non-isothermal degradation kinetic study was carried out to comprehend the degradation rate and determine the energy of activation (Ea). The dc electrical conductivity study was also carried out for the prepared composites.