Structure and properties of polyaniline/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared under various conditions

Abstract

Three different methods have been used for the preparation of polyaniline/montmorillonite nanocomposites: (i) two-step process: first intercalation of anilinium into Ca–montmorillonite structure followed with oxidisation; (ii) two-step process: first oxidisation with subsequent addition of Ca–montmorillonite aqueous suspension; (iii) one-step process: oxidisation and polymerisation in the presence of Ca–montmorillonite aqueous suspension. Structure and properties of samples have been investigated using combination of X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis and conductivity measurements in order to find the relationship between technology, structure and electrical properties. Results confirmed the crucial effect of the preparative procedure on polyaniline/montmorillonite composites.