Synthesis of Polyaniline/Polyeugenol Composites as Conductive Polymers

Abstract

This study synthesised polyaniline/polyeugenol (PANI/PE) composites via a solution mixing approach at ambient temperature, using dichloromethane (DCM) as solvent. The composites were prepared with PE mass fractions of 5%, 10% and 15% relative to PANI weight. The fabrication involved consecutive stages of PANI and PE polymerisation, followed by composite blending. Structural analysis was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Morphology, elemental composition, thermal behaviour and electrical performance were characterised by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and four-point probe conductivity measurements, respectively. The PANI/PE composites were obtained as greyish-green solids with yields of 91.14% (5% PANI/PE), 93.00% (10% PANI/PE) and 81.21% (15% PANI/PE). FTIR spectra confirmed successful composite formation, displaying characteristic absorptions corresponding to both PANI backbone (–NH– stretching at 3,446 cm^–¹, 3,425 cm^–¹ and 3,444 cm^–¹) and PE functional groups (–OH and methoxy vibrations at 856 cm^–¹–867 cm^–¹). SEM micrographs revealed reduced interparticle voids and uniform filling of surface gaps, indicating good dispersion of PE within the PANI matrix. TGA results demonstrated enhanced thermal stability with increasing PE content, suggesting improved composite resistance to heat-induced degradation. Electrical analysis showed higher conductivity in PANI/PE composites than in pristine PANI, with maximum performance at 10% PANI/PE, indicating this composition as the optimal formulation. Overall, these findings suggest that PE incorporation enhances the thermal and electrical properties of PANI by improving homogeneous composite structuring.