Synthesis and Characterization of Conducting polymers based on plant waste

Abstract

Synthesis of a composite based on plant waste using thin film method by spin coating. The Samples of (PANI/plants waste) blend were prepared with polyaniline (PANI) and okra plant waste and (PANI/plants waste /Ag) nanocomposites were prepared with silver (Ag) nanoparticles added to the (PANI/okra plant waste) blend at different weights (0.5% and 1%). The DC conductivities, of (PANI/plants waste) blend and (PANI/plants waste/Ag) nanocomposites have been measured in the temperature range from (20 – 110) oC using Keithley electrometer type 2400. It was found that the electrical conductivity for (PANI/plants waste) blend is higher than nanocomposites. So, this is a simple way by which electrical properties of other conductive polymers may be enhanced by using plant waste. AFM microscopy revealed significant the samples in terms of shapes and morphologies have a fine and grainy structure fused together and exhibit varying microstructures.The results confirm that these okra plant fibres show potential as reinforcement in polymer matrix blend.