Structural, microstructural, electrical, thermal and non-isothermal degradation kinetic studies on technologically important poly(aniline)/CdO nanocomposites

The main aim of this study was to prepare polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites. The CdO nanoparticles were obtained by the sol-gel method. The PANI-CdO nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization technique. The chemical structure of CdO, PANI and PANI nanocomposites were confirmed by FTIR and XRD techniques. The surface morphology of CdO and PANI nanocomposites was investigated using SEM. The TEM analysis was used to confirm the actual particle size of the CdO nanoparticles. The morphology and surface roughness of the prepared composites were examined with the help of atomic force microscopy. The band gap values of PANI and PANI nanocomposites were determined using Tauc's plot. The thermal properties of PANI nanocomposites were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis. The non-isothermal degradation kinetic study was carried out to comprehend the degradation rate and determine the energy of activation (E-a). The dc electrical conductivity study was also carried out for the prepared composites. The non-isothermal degradation kinetics of PANI/CdO (10 weight % loaded) system was carried out under air atmosphere. It was found that while increasing the heating rate the degradation temperature of PANI was increased. The energy of activation for the degradation of PANI backbone was determined by using various kinetic models. It was found that the Kissinger model is an opt method to determine the E-a value for degradation. [GRAPHICS] . HighlightsPANI-CdO nanocomposites were successfully prepared by chemical oxidative in situ polymerization technique.The FTIR spectrum confirmed that the PANI backbone was made by benzenoid and quinonoid units.The average grain size of CdO was found to be 42nm.The degradation temperature (T-d) of PANI nanocomposites was increased gradually in accordance with the heating rates.The energy of activation for the degradation process was calculated under non-isothermal condition using various kinetic models. The Kissinger model exhibited the opt energy of activation for the degradation process.