Polypyrrole/Silicon Carbide Nanocomposites with Tunable Electrical Conductivity

Conductive polypyrrole/SiC nanocomposites are fabricated via a facile oxidative polymerization approach using p-toluene sulfonic acid as a dopant and ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. The effects of the nanoparticle loading, ratio of oxidant to monomers, and nanoparticle morphology (spheres and rods) on the physicochemical properties are investigated. Various characterization methods are carried out to determine the material properties. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrates an improved thermal stability of polypyrrole in the polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) with a higher decomposition temperature. The glass-transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer and its nanocomposites are determined by differential scanning calorimetry with a decreased melting temperature of polypyrrole in the PNCs. The microstructures of pure polypyrrole and PNCs are observed by scanning electron microscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the crytallinity of polypyrrole, and poor crystallinity is ...