Preparation, characterization, thermooxidative degradation, and stability of polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile composites in terms of direct-current electrical conductivity retention

Electrically conducting composites based on polyaniline and polyacrylonitrile were prepared by two slightly different techniques and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermooxidative degradation of the composites was Studied by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis techniques. The stability of the composites in terms of direct-current electrical conductivity retention was studied in an oxidative environment by isothermal and cyclic techniques. The composites were thermally stable under ambient environmental conditions; however, their properties were dependent on the method of preparation. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.