Synthesis by inverse emulsion pathway and characterization of conductive polyaniline–poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) blends

Abstract

Inverted emulsion method was employed for the synthesis of electrically conductive polyaniline–poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) blends of different compositions (30, 50, 60, 70 and 80 wt.%) using benzoyl peroxide as a novel oxidant. Polymerization of aniline was carried out in a solution of EVA dissolved in an equimolar mixture of toluene and chlorobenzene as the continuous phase with camphor sulphonic acid as the dopant. The absorption spectra, FT-IR, FT Raman, NMR and EPR spectroscopic studies suggest the presence of chemical interaction (electrostatic) between polyaniline camphor sulphonic acid salt (Pani salt) and EVA. The blends have slightly lower degradation temperatures than the polyaniline salt. The SEM studies revealed both granular and fibrillar morphology while the hot pressed films exhibit fluid like morphology. The blends show relatively higher mechanical strengths and the blend Pani(20)–EVA(80) (wt.%) gave the highest value for elongation at break.