Poly(anthranilic acid)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites: spectral, morphological, and electrical properties

In this research article, we have described the synthesis of acid (HCl)-doped poly(anthranilic acid) (PAA) with carboxylic groups containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) via in situ polymerization. Anthranilic acid monomers were adsorbed on the surface of MWNTs and polymerized to form PAA/c-MWNT composites. The structure of PAA/c-MWNT composites was characterized by UV–vis spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray diffraction patterns. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that both the thinner fibrous phase and the larger block phase could be observed. The individual fibrous phases had diameters of about 100 nm, and therefore, must be the carbon nanotubes (diameter 10–20 nm) coated by a PAA layer. The electrical conductivities of PAA/c-MWNT increased with the increase of c-MWNT content.