Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoclay Dispersed polymer Based Conductive Nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites materials have recently attracted much interest and applications in the field of electronics, packaging and automobile industries because of their enhanced mechanical and physical properties. The main objective of this study was to determine which combination of components led to the enhancement in electrical properties of the nanocomposites. Polymer?clay nanocomposites based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT):PSS and nanoclay montmorillonite were synthesized and characterized. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT),which is in soluble in solvents, is one of the best known ?-conjugated polymers, mainly due to its excellent electrical conductivity and optoelectronic properties. The solubility problem of PEDOT could be by-passed with a water-dispersible poly-electrolyte, poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS).The colloidal dispersions, PEDOT?PSS is stable in water[73]. Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and ionic liquid were used to increase the interlayer spacing and the conductivity of the nanocomposites, respectively. The nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques such as XRD, TEM, surface resistivity and thermogravimetric measurement analysis. Interlayer spacing increased as a result of the addition of SDBS, and this was confirmed by the 2? shift observed via XRD analysis. The surface morphology of the conductive coated clay was examined by TEM analysis. Good electrical surface conductivity, interlayer spacing and polymer coating were observed for the material prepared using the surfactant and conductive ionic liquid.