Synthesis and Characterization of Conducting Polyaniline Based on ANI-PVA-MgCl₂ Composites Using Gamma Radiation Technique

Abstract

Conducting polymer composites such as conducting polyaniline composites have numerous attractive physical properties which could be used in several vital applications. In order to give composite materials unique physical and chemical properties that can have broad application potential in various areas, it requires appropriate adding of metal chloride through conductive polymer composites. This study employs the gamma radiation technique to produce conducting polyaniline from an aqueous solution. The solution comprises four materials, including: ANI, PVA, MgCl2 and distilled H2O, which serve as a binder or film support, precursor, Cl ions provider, and a solvent. To attain the conducting polyaniline composite, a film of ANI-PVA-MgCl2 was subjected to gamma radiation under ambient conditions. Conducting polyaniline composite has been formed once the colour began to change from white to green following the doses of radiation. The results have demonstrated that the level of gamma radiation increased to 40 KGy, thereby confirming that the electrical insulation ANI-PVA-MgCl2 film was converted into an electrically conductive polyaniline composite film. The production of conducting polyaniline composite has been observed since the colour has been changed from white to green colour alongside radiation doses.

Keywords

• Poly (vinyl alcohol)
• aniline
• magnesium chloride
• gamma radiation technique
• energy applications