Characterization and improved electrical conductivity of partially biodegradable polyaniline/poly(1,4‐butylene succinate) polymer composite films

Polyaniline/poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PANI/PBS) composites were prepared by the polymerization of aniline hydrochloride in the presence of different weight percentages of poly(1,4-butylene succinate) biodegradable polymer by in situ deposition technique. The oxidative polymerization of aniline hydrochloride was performed by the drop wise addition of an aqueous ammonium persulfate solution. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, surface morphology, and thermogravimetric analyses indicated a strong interaction between PANI and PBS. The temperature-dependent DC conductivity and biodegradable properties of PANI/PBS were also investigated. The results showed that both the conductivity and biodegradability of the composites was significantly increased by the addition of PBS. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2010–2017, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers