S. E. Mavundla, G. Malgas, D. Motaung
Mar 9, 2010
Citations
1
Influential Citations
38
Citations
Journal
Journal of Materials Science
Abstract
Copolymers of aniline and pyrrole have been prepared by chemical oxidative-polymerization of aniline and pyrrole using ammonium per sulphate and ferric chloride as oxidants. The structural and morphological properties were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Both copolymers showed an amorphous behaviour compared to their homopolymers. SEM micrographs of poly(aniline–pyrrole) copolymer showed agglomerated spherical structures where as poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline-pyrrole) showed disordered structures of spherical agglomerates. The copolymers showed improved UV–Vis absorption with the broad peak from 450 to 850 nm. The copolymers exhibited a lower conductivity compared to the homopolymers due to the unsuccessful complex between PANI and PPy, induced by the use of APS as the oxidant.