Synthesis, characterization and conductivity studies of polypyrrole-fly ash composites

In situ polymerization of pyrrole was carried out in the presence of fly ash (FA) to synthesize polypyrrole-fly ash composites (PPy/FA) by chemical oxidation method. The PPy/FA composites have been synthesized with various compositions (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%) of fly ash in pyrrole. The surface morphology of these composites was studied with scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The polypyrrole-fly ash composites were also characterized by employing X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The a.c. conductivity behaviour has been investigated in the frequency range 10(2)-10(6) Hz. The d.c. conductivity was studied in the temperature range from 40-200 degrees C. The dimensions of fly ash in the matrix have a greater influence on the observed conductivity values. The results obtained for these composites are of greater scientific and technological interest.