Studies on highly conducting Polypyrrole/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites

Abstract Polypyrrole (PPy)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were in situ synthesized using chemical oxidative polymerization in an aqueous solution of FeCl₃.6H₂O, in presence of different Fe₃O₄ loadings (0%–16.52%). These composites were characterized through a 4 Probe electrical conductivity measurement technique, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Results showed maximum electrical conductivity of 75.28 S/cm for the 2.52% Fe₃O₄ loaded nanocomposite and with improved thermal stability compared with the host PPy. Furthermore, a linear relationship between saturated magnetization M_s and % composition of Fe₃O₄ in the above nanocomposites was observed, showing 6.34 emu/g at 16.52% Fe₃O₄/PPy nanocomposite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers