Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Sulfonated CNT-Doped Poly(aniline-co-carbazole)-PVA Conductive Films

Conductive flexible films are successfully synthesized from polyvinyl alcohol matrix and poly(aniline-co-carbazole) charge carrier. To improve the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol and promote charge transition in the conductive copolymer, dual purpose sulfonated multiwall carbon nanotube is added. Conductivity is enhanced via sulfonic acid protonic dopant and mechanical property is increased by its hexagonal nanorods. Nanocomposites are prepared by adding 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075 g of carbon nanotube which is added at 1%, 3%, and 5% loads to the polymer matrix. Films are characterized by infrared, UV-vis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Conductivity is measured by the four-probe technique and mechanical property is assessed through tensile tests and dynamic mechanic thermal analysis. A 5 x 10(-6) S cm(-1) conductivity and 116 MPa tensile strength are recorded for the conductive film with optimum dopant/nanocomposite loads. The electrochemical property and corrosion resistance are studied by cyclic voltammetry and Tafel curves, respectively. The conductive films show an increase in corrosion potential and a decrease in corrosion current referring to a reliable corrosion protection film. The water uptake and contact angle of the films are measured to be 157% and 80.1 degrees respectively to confirm its required hydrophilic property.

Automated summary

Conductive flexible films were synthesized by adding dual purpose sulfonated multiwall carbon nanotube to polyvinyl alcohol matrix and poly(aniline-co-carbazole) charge carrier. The conductivity was enhanced and mechanical properties were improved by the addition of the carbon nanotube. The films showed a conductivity of 5 x 10(-6) S cm(-1) and a tensile strength of 116 MPa under optimal dopant/nanocomposite loads. Electrochemical and corrosion resistance properties were also studied and found to be promising for corrosion protection. The required hydrophilic property was confirmed by measuring water uptake and contact angle.