Synthesis and Characterization of Conducting PANDB/χ-Al₂O₃ Core-Shell Nanocomposites by In Situ Polymerization.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conducting polymers offer unique electrical properties.
• Nanocomposites enhance material performance.
• Core-shell structures provide tailored functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize novel conducting polyaniline/χ-aluminum oxide (PANDB/χ-Al2O3) core-shell nanocomposites.
• Investigate the effect of the aniline/χ-Al2O3 (AN/χ-Al2O3) weight ratio on conductivity and structure.
• Develop a conducting blend film with antistatic and electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of aniline using dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as dopant and surfactant.
• Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM).
• Blending the synthesized nanocomposite with water-based polyurethane (WPU).

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum electrical conductivity of 1.7 × 10⁻¹ S/cm at an AN/χ-Al2O3 weight ratio of 1.5.
• Confirmed the formation of a core-shell structure with PANDB coating χ-Al2O3 nanoflakes.
• Demonstrated that increasing the AN/χ-Al2O3 ratio enhances the PANDB shell thickness.

Conclusions:

• The optimal AN/χ-Al2O3 weight ratio for PANDB/χ-Al2O3 synthesis is 1.5.
• The resulting WPU/PANDB/χ-Al2O3 blend films exhibit promising antistatic and ESD properties.
• These nanocomposites are suitable for applications requiring electrical conductivity and charge dissipation.