TiO₂ reinforced polymeric nanocomposites of HCl‐doped polyaniline and their properties

Polyaniline (PANI)‐titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposite was synthesized via in‐situ polymerization in acidic medium using ammonium per sulfate as oxidant. The formation of nanocomposite was examined by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field effect scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. The dielectric properties were examined using LCR meter in the frequency range 100 Hz–5 MHz and it was explained in terms of complex dielectric permittivity and electrical modulus. The optical properties were examined using UV‐VIS spectroscopy in the wavelength range 200–800 nm. The thermal properties were examined in the temperature range 30°C–800°C. The improved performance in dielectric, electrical, optical, and thermal properties enables PANI‐TiO₂ nanocomposite for its use in actuators, dynamic random access memory, and semiconductor devices. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E108–E117, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers