Polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotube systems: Dispersion of CNT and CNT/PANI interaction

Abstract In this article, preparation and characterization of nanocomposites consisting of polyaniline (PANI) doped with dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) as a matrix with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are described. Dispersion of MWCNT was conducted by ultrasonication in water/DBSA solution (1%) by ultrasonication. The resultant dispersion was mixed either with a ready PANI dispersion or with aniline followed by polymerization. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) micrographs show an outstanding level of MWCNT dispersion in the PANI matrix, for nanocomposites prepared by mixing the MWCNT dispersion with a ready PANI dispersion. TGA measurements of these nanocomposites show that MWCNT significantly change the thermal stability of PANI. Rotational rheology results suggest that CNT function as interparticle bridges in MWCNT/PANI/DBSA dispersions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers