Preparation, characterization and electromagnetic properties of polyaniline/carbon nanotubes/nickel ferrite nanocomposites

New electromagnetic nanocomposites were prepared from polyaniline (PANI)/oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (OxSWCNTs)/NiFe2O4 by in situ polymerization of aniline using hexanoic acid as a soft template. OxSWCNT and NiFe2O4 were prepared first so as to be used in the formulation of PANI composites. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results revealed the formation of PANI nanoparticles of 60 nm diameter, OxSWCNT of 24 nm, and NiFe2O4 of 54 nm. Also, TEM image of the ternary composite indicated agglomerative coating of PANI appearing as a gray shells and black core of NiFe2O4 with widening the diameter of OxSWCNT to be around 66 nm. Dc conductivity was measured as a function of temperature. Magnetic susceptibility was measured as a function of temperature and magnetic field intensity. All samples revealed NiFe2O4-dependent ferromagnetism. The activation energies for dc conductivity suggest that the conductivity is owing to hopping conduction mechanism. A synergistic effect between NiFe2O4 and PANI/OxSWCNT is observed. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers