(337v) Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites: Case Study of Conductive Polypyrrole-SiC Particulate Nanocomposites | AIChE

(337v) Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites: Case Study of Conductive Polypyrrole-SiC Particulate Nanocomposites

Authors 

Mavinakuli, P. - Presenter, Lamar University
Karki, A. B. - Presenter, Louisiana State University
Young, D. P. - Presenter, Louisiana State University


Conducting polymers like polypyrrole have inspired great deal of interest due to their high and tunable electrical conductivity, unique physicochemical properties, easy preparation, high yield and environmental stability [1]. Electrical Conductivity of a conductive polymer mainly depends on the nature of the dopant. The material properties such as processability, mechanical strength and thermal stability can be improved by forming polymer nanocomposites [2]. Among the manipulated properties in the polypyrrole nanocomposites, the electrical conductivity can be tuned by using nanoparticles with different loadings.

Ceramic SiC is a wide and tunable band gap semiconductor, favorable material for high-temperature, high-frequency, excellent chemical resistance and high hardness applications. Due to its high mechanical strength, it has been used as filler for the preparation of strengthened polyurethane nanocomposite material [3].

By incorporating SiC nanoparticles into conductive polypyrrole matrix, we could create unique multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. These conductive polymer nanocomposites could have great potential to be used as sensors, biosensors, coating material, corrosion inhibitor, light emitting diodes (LED), and photovoltaic cells.

In this study, a conductive polymer nanocomposite containing polypyrrole and SiC nanoparticles was fabricated via oxidative polymerization. The effects of the particle loading and morphology (sphere and rod) of the nanoparticles on the physicochemical properties were investigated. Various characterization tools were carried out to explore the material properties. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the thermal stability of the polymer nanocomposties. The nanostructure of pure polymer and nanocomposites are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) was carried out to explore the effect of the nanoparticles on the crystal structure of PPy. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry was used to investigate the interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. Four-point probe measurement was carried out and the electron transport mechanism was explored.

[1]Z. Guo, K. Shin, A. B. Karki, D. P. Young, Fabrication and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles filled polypyrrole nanocomposites, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, (2009) in press.

[2] M. Omastova, K. Boukerma, M. M. Chehimi, M. Trchova, Material research Bulletin 40 (2005)749-765.

[3] Z. Guo, T.Y. Kim, K. Lei, T. Pereira, J.G. Sugar, H.T. Hahn. Composite science and Technology 68(2008) 164-170.