Synergistic augmentation of polypropylene composites by hybrid morphology polyaniline particles for antistatic packaging applications

In current study polyaniline filled polypropylene (PP/PAni) conductive composites were prepared by a novel premixing technique followed by melt mixing. The PP/PAni composites were also compatibilized by addition of polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride. Polyaniline was prepared by using ammonium per sulphate and ferric chloride as single oxidants. Effects of oxidizing agents (of polyaniline) on composites were studied by morphological, electrical and mechanical properties on composites. FTIR analysis was also carried out to study the nature of interactions and possible bonding between polyaniline and polypropylene matrix. Thermal analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability of composites. Morphological analysis revealed that the proposed premixing technique was quite successful in depositing polyaniline to polypropylene matrix. This analysis was also supported by the results of electrical conductivity where formation of conductive pathways were observed by addition of polyaniline thus converting insulating nature of polypropylene to a semiconducting one. (paper)