Polypyrrole-ferric oxide conducting nanocomposites I. Synthesis and characterization

Conducting polymer nanocomposites have drawn the attention of scientists over last few years. The present work reports the preparation of nanocomposites in which colloidal ferric oxide particles have been combined with a well-known conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy). The colloid has been prepared using an established technique and its successful combination with PPy has been optimized in course of the present work. Particle dimensions were measured and the nature of association between the components was observed using transmission electron microscopic technique. The XRD and TGA patterns of PPy and the composites were also studied and explained. Direct current electrical conductivity values of all the samples have been measured; the effect of higher temperature and ambient condition on DC conductivity of the samples has also been studied and relevant results are analysed and reported. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.