In situ polymerized polyaniline films. 2. Dispersion polymerization of aniline in the presence of colloidal silica

Composite polyaniline-silica films produced on glass surfaces during the dispersion polymerization of aniline in the presence of colloidal silica were investigated. The film morphology and composition were characterized by FTIR, W-vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Compared with pure polyaniline films produced under similar conditions, the composite films are thinner and smoother, and their surface is silica rich. The film thickness of both pure and composite films decreased as the polymerization temperature increased from 0 to 50 degrees C. To determine the particle size of polyaniline-silica dispersion particles, which are formed at the same time as the films, dynamic light scattering was used. The correlation between the particle size and film thickness is discussed. The electrical conductivity of composite polyaniline films was only a little affected by the presence of silica.