Microstructure formation in polymer composites prepared with polypropylene and a polyaniline complex

BACKGROUND: Results of a feasibility study to produce elongated structures of an electro-conductive polyaniline complex (PANICOM) within polymer composites by means of an in situ deformation process are reported. The aim was to find an alternative route to produce fiber-like polymer materials with potential applications in electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. PANICOM-polypropylene blends with PANICOM contents ranging from 1 to 50 wt% were capillary extruded. The microstructure was analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Conductivity measurements were carried out. Tensile mechanical properties were also characterized. RESULTS: PANICOM was deformed into elongated structures, embedded within the polypropylene, preferentially oriented in the extrusion direction. The highest conductivity levels were reached for PANICOM contents of 15 wt% and greater. For contents of PANICOM of about 5 to 10 wt%, the conductivities lay within the optimal ESD range, and the breaking tenacity was only about 25% lower than that of pure polypropylene. CONCLUSION: The results obtained provide further evidence to support the feasibility of producing electrically conductive fibers of PANICOM within a suitable polymer matrix by means of a simple in situ deformation process, so as to allow the fabrication of conducting composites with potential applications in ESD protection. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry