1. INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE
Synthesis and Characterization of Polypyrrole and Graphene/ Polypyrrole/ Epoxy Nano Composites
Sumaira Nosheen*, Mohsin Ali Raza**, Tahir Jamil**, Shahzad Alam*, Muhammad Irfan*, Asma Iftikhar**, Bilal Waseem*, Phool Shahzadi* *Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Lahore **Department of Polymer Engineering & Technology, University of the Punjab
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE
Conducting Polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles were synthesized via four different radical polymerization systems changing the time and other parameters. The characterization of PPy nanoparticles was done by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Graphene synthesized from intercalated graphite by exfoliation at 1000 ͦC for 30 seconds in tube furnace and particle size was assessed using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Polypyrrole/graphene nanocomposites were prepared by mixing of PPy with graphene. Prior to this graphene was coated with silane to enhance the bonding between PPy and graphene. The PPy coated graphene composite was mixed in epoxy resin and cured using curing agent. The amount of PPy in nanocomposites varied in the range of 1-20% by weight. The effect of PPy/
graphene nanoparticles on mechanical, electrical properties and thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites were
investigated. Thermal gravimetric analysis has showed that incorporation of PPy nanoparticles has improved the
thermal stability of the epoxy nanocomposites. Two probe electrical conductivity measurements has showed that
increasing amount of graphene in PPy/epoxy nanocomposites increases the conductivity of PPy significantly. In order
to improve the dispersion of graphene in PPy mechanical dispersor was employed. Composites prepared with
dispersor have exhibited improvement in mechanical and thermal properties
RESULTS & CONCLUSION
Experimental (Synthesis of Graphene)
Results
Figure 1 FTIR of Polypyrrole
Synthesis of Polypyrrole
LSCF
LSCF/Ag
Figure. 3 Load versus penetration depth curves of different substrates at 20N load
Figure 2&3 TGA and DSC curves of graphene nano platelets, PPy/Graphene composite, PPy/silane functionalized graphene and PPy/silane functionalized graphene/silane functionalized
Silane functionalization of Graphene Sheets
Figure 4&5 Topographic image of composite consisting of 1 wt. % silane functionalized graphene/silane functionalized PPy/epoxy composite.
Synthesis of Graphene/Polypyrrole/Epoxy Nano Composites
ThePPy/Graphene powder obtained from the above was mixed in epoxy by using mechanical dispersor for 30 minutes at 600rpm thoroughly. Then curing agent was added in it followed by immediate pouringof dispersion into the mould for curing. The material was cured for overnight in the vacuum oven and characterized by mechanical testing.
Figure 6&7 SEM and optical microscopy image of epoxy hybrid composites consisting of
silane coated Graphene/silane treated Pyrrole
Conclusion / Summary
Conventional composites which are based on PPy and epoxy resins are typical
polymeric materials that are widely used in microelectronic and structural engineering sectors mainly. The electrical properties of these composites can be further
improved by adding low loading levels of graphene nanoparticles.
Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR ) Labs Complex, Lahore
Pakistan Institute of Technology for Minerals and Advanced Engineering Materials (PITMAEM)