Thermal and electrical properties of nanocomposite poly o-anisidine/metal oxides

Abstract

Poly o-anisidine (POA) was prepared by chemical oxidation polymerization, and the nanocomposite of this polymer was mixed with different nanopowder metal oxides. The size and morphology of these synthesized POA/nanocomposites were shown using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the microstructure of the synthesized POA/nanocomposites. Thermal stability thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical conductivity of POA/nanocomposites were studied in the temperature range 40–120°C. It was found that the nanopowder metal oxides improve the thermal stability of POAs, except TiO 2, while the POA/CuO nanocomposite has the most thermal stability. Also the thermal stability is increases when the temperature is increased. The POA/nanocomposites reveal enhanced conductivity compared to conventional bulk POA. The highest electrical conductivity is obtained when the polymer mixes with CuO.