Morphological studies of DBSA-doped polyaniline/PVC blends

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Conducting Polymers

Background:

• Polyaniline (PAND) is a conducting polymer with potential applications in various fields.
• Doping enhances the properties of polyaniline, but synthesis methods influence the final material characteristics.
• Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) is a common polymer matrix that can be blended with conducting polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA)-doped polyaniline (PAND)/poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) blends using two distinct methods.
• To compare the mechanical properties and stability of blends prepared by redoping (PANDR/PVC) versus aqueous polymerization (PANDA/PVC).
• To investigate the effect of electron beam irradiation on the morphology of the synthesized blends.

Main Methods:

• Solution blending technique was employed for blend synthesis.
• Two methods were used: redoping method for PANDR/PVC blends and aqueous polymerization for PANDA/PVC blends.
• Mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity) and morphology (via SEM with electron beam irradiation) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• PANDR/PVC blends demonstrated improved mechanical properties compared to PANDA/PVC blends, which were brittle.
• Increasing PANDR concentration in PVC enhanced blend rigidity, indicated by increased modulus of elasticity.
• Electron beam irradiation altered PANDA/PVC blend morphology due to PVC dehydrochlorination, while PANDR/PVC blends remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

• The redoping method is superior for synthesizing DBSA-doped PAND/PVC blends with enhanced mechanical properties.
• PANDR/PVC blends offer improved structural integrity and stability, particularly under electron beam exposure.
• The choice of synthesis method significantly impacts the performance and stability of PAND/PVC blends.