Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline filled PU/PMMA interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of conducting interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), are prepared by sequential polymerization of castor oil based polyurethane (PU) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyaniline doped with camphor sulphonic acid (PAni)(CSA). The effect of different amount of PAni (varies from 2.5-12.5%) on the properties of PU/ PMMA (50/50) IPNs such as electrical properties like conductivity, dielectric constant and dissipation factor; mechanical properties like tensile strength and percentage elongation at break have been reported. (PAni)(CSA) filled IPNs shows improved tensile strength than the unfilled IPN system. The thermal stability and surface morphology of unfilled and (PAni)(CSA) filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPN sheets were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). TGA thermograms of (PAni)(CSA) filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPNs show a three-step thermal degradation process. SEM micrograms of filled PU/PMMA IPN system shows spherulitic structure at higher concentration of (PAni)(CSA). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.