The Conductivity of PANI/Zirconia Composites: Effect of Amorphous and Crystalline Fillers

This paper reports the results of synthesis and characterization PNI/zirconia composites. PANI/zirconia composites were synthesized by in-situ polymerization. Aniline was used as a monomer, hydrochloric acid as a dopant, ammonium peroxodisulphate as an oxidant and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate as a surfactant. The zirconia used is amorphous and crystalline (monoclinic). XRD test results show that the composite has been successfully formed, indicated by the absence of new peaks. FTIR spectrum analysis showed an interaction between PANI and zirconia. Composites with amorphous zirconia fillers have lower conductivity than PANI; on the other hand, composites with monoclinic zirconia fillers have better conductivity than PANI.