Effect of Inorganic Silver Nanoparticles on Structural and Electrical Properties of Polyaniline/PVC Blends

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) doped polyaniline (PANDR) has been synthesized by redoping method. Inorganic silver nanoparticles were incorporated in THF solution of PANDR (PANDS) and then mixed with PVC solution to prepare PANDS/PVC nanocomposites. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that silver nanoparticles reside more close to imine nitrogen of PANDS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation and dispersion of silver nanoparticles in polymer matrix having average size of ~20 nm. Incorporation of inorganic metal silver nanoparticles has improved the mechanical properties of nanocomposite films as compared to pure polymer blends. Addition of silver nanoparticles in the blends reduces the charge trapping centres and increases the conducting channels; as a result a decrease in the real part of impedance has been observed.