Degradable and electrically conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/sigma cell cellulose polymer composites

Degradable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanocomposites containing sigma cell cellulose (SC) were prepared by in situ polymerization and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction methods. Morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of PEDOT/SC (PESC) composites were examined by thermogravimetric analyses. Results indicated a strong interaction between PEDOT and SC. Temperature‐dependent direct current (DC) conductivity within 298–503 K and biodegradable properties of PESC were investigated. Results showed that SC addition significantly improved the temperature‐dependent DC conductivity and biodegradability of PESC composites. The increased conductivity of PESC can be explained by the increased mobility of charge carriers caused by increased SC concentration. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1864–1872, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers