Highly conducting polymer blend films of polyaniline and nylon 6 by cosolvation in an organic acid

Abstract

Polymer blend films of polyaniline and nylon 6 were prepared from homogeneous solutions in formic acid at various weight ratios of polyaniline and nylon 6. Free standing, lustrous and flexible films were obtained by casting. The maximum conductivity of the film was about 0.2 S cm⁻¹, corresponding to a weight ratio of 0.5 wt/wt polyaniline (PAni) and nylon 6. The film exhibits semiconducting behaviour in the range of temperatures between 300 K and 10 K and the data fits in with the VRH model for transport in the range of 150 K to 50 K. Optical absorption spectra reveal absorption bands typical of polyaniline salt. I.r. spectra show a characteristic band at 1145 cm⁻¹ which is associated with electrical conductivity in polyaniline. A simultaneous t.g.a.-d.t.a. scan reveals that the melting temperature of PAni/nylon 6 is slightly reduced. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the crystal structure of nylon 6 in the blend film is retained on modification. The films also exhibit good environmental stability and mechanical strength.