Structure characterization and DC conductivity of honeycomb patterned poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film via pretreatment at high temperature

Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) composites containing different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were synthesized through the oxidative polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole with ferric chloride. The synthesized composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. A honeycomb‐patterned film was fabricated by casting the PVK–MWCNT composite solution under humid conditions. The morphology of the honeycomb‐patterned films in the PVK–MWCNT polymer composites and the dependence of its pore diameter and pore height on MWCNT concentration were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The honeycomb‐patterned films were treated at 150, 250, 400, and 490°C to study the arrangement of MWCNTs in the patterned films and to measure the DC conductivity depending on the calcination temperature. DC conductivity of the patterned films was increased by increasing the concentration of MWCNT in the composites and in the increased pretreatment temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Conducting composites of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole), polypyrrole,and polyaniline with 13X‐zeolite

N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) was polymerized by 13X zeolite alone in melt (65°C) or in toluene (110°C) and a poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PNVC)‐13X composite was isolated. Composites of polypyrrole (PPY) and polyaniline(PANI) with 13X zeolite were prepared via polymerization of the respective monomers in the presence of dispersion of 13X zeolite in water (CuCl₂ oxidant) and in CHCl₃ (FeCl₃ oxidant) at an ambient temperature. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared analyses. Scanning electron microscopic analyses of various composites indicated the formation of lumpy aggregates of irregular sizes distinct from the morphology of unmodified 13X zeolite. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed some typical differences between the various composites, depending upon the nature of the polymer incorporated. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the stability order as: 13X‐zeolite > polymer‐13X‐zeolite > polymer. PNVC‐13X composite was essentially a nonconductor, while PPY‐13X and PANI‐13X composites showed direct current conductivity in the order of 10^?4 S/cm in either system. However, the conductivity of PNVC‐ 13X composite could be improved to 10^?5 and 10^?6 S/cm by loading PPY and PANI, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 913–921, 2006     

Enhanced surface morphology and transport property of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)/gold nanocomposite Langmuir–Schaefer films

A composite of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) containing gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was synthesized via simple solid‐state in situ bulk polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole in the presence of GNPs at a high temperature. Both PVK and PVK–GNP composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal stability was identified via thermogravimetric analysis. The composites were fabricated into films using the Langmuir–Schaefer process. The enhancement in the characteristics of room temperature I–V, pressure–area isotherms, and photoelectrochemical behaviors was observed in the composite films. Results suggest that a charge transfer process occurs across the hybrid at the interface of the PVK–GNP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole by multiwalled carbon nanotube

N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) was polymerized in bulk or in toluene in presence of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) without any extraneous catalyst. The formation of polyN‐vinylcarbazole (PNVC) was endorsed by striking agreement of FTIR, fluorescence and UV‐visible spectroscopic, thermogravimetric stability, differential scanning calorimetry, and dielectric characteristics of this polymer with the corresponding literature data for authentic PNVC samples prepared by free radical or carbocationic initiation. The polymerization was supposed to be initiated by a single electron transfer between N lone pair of NVC and the electron deficient MWCNT moieties. While PNVC homopolymer is nonconducting (10^?12 to 10^?16 S/cm), a composite of PNVC with MWCNT isolated from the polymerization system showed high dc conductivity varying from 1.3 to 33 S/cm depending upon the extent of MWCNT loading in the composite. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 4121–4126, 2007     

Cellulose triacetate‐based polymer gel electrolytes

New composite polymer gels were obtained from cellulose triacetate (CTA), N‐methyl‐N′‐propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr_1,3TFSI), and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). Analysis by differential scanning calorimeter and scanning electron microscope showed that the ionic gel consisting of CTA, Pyr_1,3TFSI, and LiTFSI formed a completely homogeneous phase at the molar ratio of CTA/Pyr_1,3TFSI/LiTFSI = 1/3/1.5. The ionic conductivity of the polymer gel was significantly enhanced by the presence of LiTFSI. FTIR study strongly implies that the interaction of lithium ion with the carbonyl group of CTA could be responsible for the increase in conductivity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Characterization of konjac glucomannan–quaternized poly(4‐vinyl‐N‐butyl) pyridine blend films and their preservation effect

Novel polymer blends were prepared from a mixture of 2 wt % konjac glucomannan and 4 wt % quaternized poly(4‐vinyl‐N‐butyl) pyridine (QPVP) in aqueous solution and dried at room temperature for 72 h. Their structure and properties were studied by infrared, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal stability in the dry state was reduced with increasing content of QPVP. Compared with QPVP film, the tensile strength of the films was improved in the dry state. The maximum value of 12.74% tensile break elongation was reached when the content of QPVP was 30%. Structural analysis indicated that clear phase separation was observed when the content of QPVP was only 50%. Results from the filmcoating preservation experiments with lychee showed that this blend film had water‐holding ability. The fruit weight loss rate and rot rate both decreased in various degrees. The potential uses of these novel polymer films could be as preservative films. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1868–1875, 2004     

Microwave absorption of poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–polyaniline composites

Poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–polyaniline (PANI) composites were synthesized using different loading concentration of aniline (0.025–0.1 M) for their microwave absorption characteristics. The obtained composites were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis technique, and atomic force microscope for their chemical structure, thermal stability, and the surface modifications, respectively. The conductivity increased much with the increase of aniline concentration in the composites. The composite sheets exhibited a strong microwave absorption in the microwave range of 1–10 GHz and achieved a maximum absorption value of 33 dB. The position of absorbing peak shows a mixed trend moving from lower to higher and again to lower with an increasing the concentration of aniline in the poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole–PANI. The new polymer composite exhibited an appreciable electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency compared with the previously reported PANI composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structure and DC conductivity studies in Poly-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-vinyl carbazole-polyaniline films

Poly-N-vinyl carbazole-polyaniline (PVK-PANI) polymer films were chemically synthesized by varying target loadings of aniline content (0.025–0.1 M). The microstructure and thermal stability of the obtained polymers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The analysis of DC conductivity was measured in the temperature range of 300–500 K, and the conductivity was analyzed by Mott’s variable range of hopping model (VRH). The incorporation of aniline into PVK has a positive influence on the thermal stability and also wields a positive influence on the conducting property of the composites. The conductivity of the polymer films increases with increasing temperature indicating a semi-conducting behavior.     

Electrical conductivity studies on water‐soluble polypyrrole–graphene oxide composites

Polypyrrole (PPy)–graphene oxide (GO) composites are synthesized via a soft‐chemical in situ method at different GO concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%) and with ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant. The synthesized composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible light (UV–vis) spectroscopic studies, and their surface properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization and surface morphology results indicate that PPy is adsorbed onto the graphene surfaces and/or fills the GO sheets. The temperature‐dependent DC conductivity of the polymer composite films in the 300–500 K range indicates a semiconducting behavior with increasing GO concentration in the PPy polymer. Based on morphological and conductivity studies, the large surface area and high aspect ratio of the in situ‐generated GO may have played an important role in the noticeable improvement in the electrical conductivity of the prepared composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polypropylene/polypropylene‐grafted acrylic acid copolymer/ethylene–Acrylic acid copolymer ternary blends for hydrophilic polypropylene

Ternary blends of polypropylene (PP), a polypropylene‐grafted acrylic acid copolymer (PP‐g‐AA), and an ethylene–acrylic acid copolymer (EAA) were prepared by melt blending. The surfaces of films with different contents of these three components were characterized with contact‐angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the microstructure, melting and crystalline behavior, and thermal stability of the blends. The contact angles of the PP/PP‐g‐AA blends decreased monotonically with increasing PP‐g‐AA content. With the incorporation of EAA, the contact angles of the PP/PP‐g‐AA/EAA ternary blends decreased with increasing EAA content. When the concentration of EAA was higher than 15 wt %, the contact angles of the ternary blends began to increase. Scanning electron microscopy observations confirmed that PP‐g‐AA acted as a compatibilizer and improved the compatibility between PP and EAA in the ternary blends. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis suggested that acrylic acid moieties could act as nucleating agents for PP in the polymer blends. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetry confirmed the optimal blend ratio for the PP/PP‐g‐AA/EAA ternary blends was 70/15/15. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 436–442, 2006     

A conducting composite based on poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)–formalin resin and acetylene black

A poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PNVC)–formalin (FO) resin (PNVC‐FO) was prepared via copolycondensation between N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) and FO in the presence of dry HCl gas in toluene medium at 110°C. A highly conducting composite of PNVC‐FO resin with nanodimensional acetylene black (AB) was prepared by carrying out the polycondensation reaction in presence of a suspension of acetylene black (AB) in toluene. The inclusion of PNVC in the PNVC‐FO‐AB composite was confirmed by FT‐IR analysis. Scanning electron microscopic analyses of PNVC‐FO resin and PNVC‐FO‐AB composite revealed formation of spherical particles and aggregates of irregular shapes respectively. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the overall stability order as: AB > PNVC‐FO‐AB composite > PNVC‐FO resin > PNVC homopolymer. In sharp contrast to PNVC and PNVC‐FO resin, which were both nonconducting (10^?12 to 10^?16 S/cm), the conductivity of the composites reached values between 0.75 S/cm and 6.54 S/cm corresponding to AB loading of 28–49 wt % respectively. Temperature versus conductivity studies revealed an initial increase in conductivity upto 200°C and current–voltage characteristics of the PNVC‐FO‐AB composite showed a linear trend consistent with Ohmic behavior. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3837–3843, 2007     

Conduction mechanism in H‐type polysiloxane‐polypyrrole block copolymers

Conducting polymers of polysiloxane‐polypyrrole were synthesized by electropolymerization of the pyrrole monomer through pyrrole moieties in N‐pyrrole‐terminated polysiloxanes. Sodium paratoluene sulfonate was used as the electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the surface morphology of the films. The room‐temperature conductivity values of the films were found to be in the range of 1.9–4.4 × 10^?4 (Ω cm)^?1, depending on the supporting electrolyte concentration. The temperature dependence of the dc conductivities of the copolymers having different dopant concentrations was investigated within the temperature range of 100–320 K. The evaluated parameters showed that the electrical transport is dominated by variable range hopping. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 52–56, 2002     

Semiconductive poly[N1,N4‐bis(thiophen‐2‐ylmethylene)benzene‐1,4‐diamine]‐nickel oxide nanocomposite based ethanol sensor

This study aims to use the conductivity of a synthetic polymer as the sensing probe for ethanol. In order to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor, a composite of the polymer and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles was formed as it improved the conductivity. This composite exhibited 100 times more conductivity than the neat polymer. The semiconductive nanocomposite of poly [N¹,N⁴‐bis(thiophen‐2‐ylmethylene)benzene‐1,4‐diamine]‐nickel oxide (PBTMBDA‐NiO) was prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The monomer was N¹,N⁴‐bis(thiophen‐2‐ylmethylene)benzene‐1,4‐diamine (BTMBDA). The monomer (BTMBDA), polymer (PBTMBDA), and NiO nanoparticles used in this study were synthesized. The monomer was prepared by refluxing together 2‐thiophene carboxaldehyde, benzene‐1,4‐diamine, and few drops of glacial acetic acid in ethanol medium for 3 h. The polymer, PBTMBDA, was formed by the chemical oxidative polymerization of BTMBDA in chloroform by FeCl₃. NiO nanoparticles were prepared by slow addition of aqueous ammonia to anhydrous nickel chloride at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C), and at a pH of 8 under constant stirring condition. The composite was formed by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of BTMBDA in chloroform by FeCl₃ in the presence of the dispersed NiO nanoparticles. The molecular structure of BTMBDA and PBTMBDA were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (¹H, ¹³C, and Dept‐90°), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy. The PBTMBDA and PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. The results of characterization studies indicate the strong interaction between PBTMBDA and NiO in the nanocomposite. The broadness of ¹H NMR peaks in PBTMBDA was due to the increased number of monomer units. The disappearance of the peak of α‐hydrogens on thiophene confirms the polymerization involving the fifth position of thiophene part of BTMBDA. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra revealed that position of the characteristic peaks of the functional groups in the monomer shifted toward lower wave numbers in PBTMBDA and PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite. This shifting confirms the presence of extended conjugation along the polymer backbone. Electronic spectra of these compounds showed three absorption bands corresponding to π→π*, n→π* and n→π* transitions of π electron of carbon, lone pair electrons of S, and lone pair electrons of N (imine) groups, respectively. From the Tafel plot, the exchange current density evaluated for the BTMBDA and PBTMBDA are 0.2815 × 10⁻⁸ and 1.1508 × 10⁻⁸ A cm⁻², respectively. PBTMBDA is evaluated to be a better electrode material than the BTMBDA. The X‐ray diffraction plots showed that the characteristic peak of NiO in PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite suggested successful incorporation of NiO in PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed the improved thermal stability of the composite. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the NiO in the composite. Incorporation of nickel oxide nanoparticles improved the electrical conductivity and stability of PBTMBDA. The conductivity of the polymer was found to be of the order of 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ while that of the composite was of the order of 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹. The nanocomposite was found to be thermally more stable than PBTMBDA and exhibited better direct‐current electrical conductivity and isothermal stability than the PBTMBDA as revealed by the four‐probe study. The electrical conductivity as inferred from the four‐probe method was used as the parameter to study the isothermal stability of the composite. The PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite based vapor sensor was constructed for the sensing of ethanol vapor in commercial ethanol and real samples (alcoholic drinks: Beer, Wine, Brandy, Vodka, Whisky, and Rum) It was observed that on exposure to ethanol vapor at ambient temperature, the electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite increased indicating suppression of charge carriers. The interaction of ethanol vapor with PBTMBDA in PBTMBDA‐NiO nanocomposite was confirmed by IR spectral technique. The change in the structure of the PBTMBDA on interaction with ethanol was highlighted by the changes in the infrared spectrum. The conductivity of the polymer was explained using the structure‐activity relationship of the monomer evaluated using Gaussian 09 software. This study also analyzed the total electron density with electrostatic potential of the monomer and its correlation with chemical reactivity in order to explain the ethanol vapor sensing‐property of the nanocomposite. A new method of ethanol vapor sensing by a conducting polymer composite is hereby reported. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45918.     

Influence of LiClO4 on the thermal,mechanical, and morphological properties of P(DMS‐co‐EO)/ P(EPI‐co‐EO) blends

The UV‐vis absorption, thermal analysis, ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and morphology of a blend of poly(dimethylsiloxane‐co‐ethylene oxide) [P(DMS‐co‐EO)] and poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide) [P(EPI‐co‐EO)] (P(DMS‐co‐EO)/P(EPI‐co‐EO) ratio of 15/85 wt %) with different concentrations of LiClO₄ were studied. The maximum ionic conductivity (σ = 1.2 × 10^?4 S cm^?1) for the blend was obtained in the presence of 6% wt LiClO₄. The crystalline phase of the blend disappeared with increasing salt concentration, whereas the glass transition temperature (T_g) progressively increased. UV‐vis absorption spectra for the blends with LiClO₄ showed a transparent polymer electrolyte in the visible region. The addition of lithium salt decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break and increased Young's modulus of the blends. Scanning electron microscopy showed separation of the phases between P(DMS‐co‐EO) and P(EPI‐co‐EO), and the presence of LiClO₄ made the blends more susceptible to cracking. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1230–1235, 2004     

Synthesis and characterization of N‐ and O‐alkylated poly[aniline‐co‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) aniline]

Poly[aniline‐co‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) aniline] was synthesized in an aqueous hydrochloric acid medium with a determined feed ratio by chemical oxidative polymerization. This polymer was used as a functional conducting polymer intermediate because of its side‐group reactivity. To synthesize the alkyl‐substituted copolymer, the initial copolymer was reacted with NaH to obtain the N‐ and O‐anionic copolymer after the reaction with octadecyl bromide to prepare the octadecyl‐substituted polymer. The microstructure of the obtained polymers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR, and X‐ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of the polymers was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The morphology of obtained copolymers was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The cyclic voltammetry investigation showed the electroactivity of poly [aniline‐co‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) aniline] and N and O‐alkylated poly[aniline‐co‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) aniline]. The conductivities of the polymers were 5 × 10^?5 S/cm for poly[aniline‐co‐N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) aniline] and 5 ×10^?7 S/cm for the octadecyl‐substituted copolymer. The conductivity measurements were performed with a four‐point probe method. The solubility of the initial copolymer in common organic solvents such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and dimethylformamide was greater than polyaniline. The alkylated copolymer was mainly soluble in nonpolar solvents such as n‐hexane and cyclohexane. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Natural rubber/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)‐blend‐based nanocomposites

Natural rubber (NR)/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) blend–clay nanocomposites were prepared and characterized. The blend nanocomposites were prepared through the melt mixing of NR/EVA in a ratio of 40/60 with various amounts of organoclay with an internal mixer followed by compression molding. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that the nanocomposites formed were intercalated. The formation of the intercalated nanocomposites was also indicated by transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy, used to study the fractured surface morphology, showed that the distribution of the organoclay in the polymer matrix was homogeneous. The tensile modulus of the nanocomposites increased with an increase in the organoclay content. However, an increase in the organoclay content up to 5 phr did not affect the tensile strength, but the organoclay reduced this property when it was increased further. This study also indicated that a low silicate content dispersed in the blend matrix was capable of increasing the storage modulus of the material. The addition of the organoclay also increased the decomposition temperature of the NR/EVA blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 353–362, 2006     

Studies of solvent effect on the conductivity of 2‐mercaptopyridine‐doped solid polymer blend electrolytes and its application in dye‐sensitized solar cells

Solvents and electrolytes play an important role in the fabrication of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We have studied the poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐KI‐I₂ (PEO‐PMMA‐KI‐I₂) polymer blend electrolytes prepared with different wt % of the 2‐mercaptopyridine by solution casting method. The polymer electrolyte films were characterized by the FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance and dielectric studies. FTIR spectra revealed complex formation between the PEO‐PMMA‐KI‐I₂ and 2‐mercaptopyrindine. Ionic conductivity data revealed that 30% 2‐mercaptopyridine‐doped PEO‐PMMA‐KI‐I₂ electrolyte can show higher conductivity (1.55 × 10^?5 S cm^?1) than the other compositions (20, 40, and 50%). The effect of solvent on the conductivity and dielectric of solid polymer electrolytes was studied for the best composition (30% 2‐mercaptopyridine‐doped PEO‐PMMA‐KI‐I₂) electrolyte using various organic solvents such as acetonitrile, N,N‐dimethylformamide, 2‐butanone, chlorobenzene, dimethylsulfoxide, and isopropanol. We found that ac‐conductivity and dielectric constant are higher for the polymer electrolytes processed from N,N‐dimethylformamide. This observation revealed that the conductivity of the solid polymer electrolytes is dependent on the solvent used for processing and the dielectric constant of the film. The photo‐conversion efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells fabricated using the optimized polymer electrolytes was 3.0% under an illumination of 100 mW cm^?2. The study suggests that N,N‐dimethylformamide is a good solvent for the polymer electrolyte processing due to higher ac‐conductivity beneficial for the electrochemical device applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42489.     

Morphology–composition–processing relationships in poly(methyl methacrylate)–polytriethylene glycol dimethacrylate shrinkage‐controlled blends

An innovative method to control shrinkage in polymer blends, by using N,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine to produce phase separation in an acrylic system, was applied to synthesize polymer blends from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polytriethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PTEGDMA). The morphology of several compositions, as analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, reveals microdomains as a function of the specific composition, in contrast to conventional MMA–TEGDMA copolymers synthesized by thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide, used here as reference materials. Micro‐Raman and DSC analyses were also carried out to support the electron microscopy results as well. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1254–1260, 2004     

A water‐dispersible conducting nanocomposite from suspension polymerisation of thiophene in presence of N‐vinylcarbazole

The polymerisation of a mixture of thiophene and N‐vinylcarbazole was achieved in aqueous suspension in the presence of nanodimensional alumina and FeCl₃ as oxidant. The resultant composite was found to contain both polythiophene (PTP) and poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PNVC) components even after reflux in benzene, which would remove any PNVC homopolymer. The presence of the individual polymer components was endorsed by FTIR spectroscopic analyses. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the overall stabilities of the composite and the corresponding homopolymers were in the order: PTP–Al₂O₃ > PTP > PTP–PNVC–Al₂O₃ > PNVC. Differential thermal analyses studies showed the manifestation of two different exotherms corresponding to the presence of two different polymeric constituents in the PTP–PNVC–Al₂O₃ composite. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed two glass‐transition temperatures (T_g) suggesting the presence of two polymeric moieties in the PTP–PNVC composite. Scanning electron micrographs of the PTP–Al₂O₃ and PTP–PNVC–Al₂O₃ composites showed distinctive morphological patterns. Transmission electron microscopic images of the composite revealed that the average particle size varied between 20 and 80 nm. DC conductivities of the composites were of the order of 10^?6 S cm^?1. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies on block‐polymer/PMMA blend based composite polymer electrolytes

Poly(methylmethacrylate)(PMMA)/oxymethylene‐linked polyoxyethylene multi‐block polymer(Om‐POE_n, where n represents number of unit  CH₂CH₂O ) blend based composite electrolyte films containing different lithium salt concentration and nanofillers' content are prepared using solvent evaporation technique. The interaction of polymer–salt complex has been confirmed using FTIR spectral studies. The figuration of CPE was studied by XRD. Ionic conductivity and thermal behavior of the CPEs were studied with various salt concentrations, temperature, and nanofillers' content. The surface structure of the CPE is also investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The high room temperature ionic conductivity, transmittivity in the visible region, and thermal stability make these CPEs potential candidates as solid‐like electrolytes for electrochemical devices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007