Morphology and AC conductivity of polyaniline/ZrSiO4 composite prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization with SDBS as surfactant in acidic medium

This paper reports the synthesis and observations of morphology and A.C. conductivity of polyaniline/ZrSiO4 composites. ZrSiO4 as filler was obtained by refining zircon sand from Kereng Pangi, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Polyaniline/ZrSiO4 composites were prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization with sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate as the surfactant, ammonium peroxodisulfate as oxidant, and HCl as the dopant. The compositions of ZrSiO4 were varied at 2%, 4%, and 6% by volume in respect to aniline. The formation of the polyaniline/ZrSiO4 composite was confirmed by XRD data analysis, which showed that no new phase was formed. Based on the SEM images, it was indicated that polyaniline covered the ZrSiO4 filler. The AC conductivity of the composite decreased as the amount of ZrSiO4 increased.