Characterization of PAN/ATO nanocomposites prepared by solution blending

Conducting nanocomposites of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) were prepared by solution blending. Electrical properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by means of electrical conductivity measurements and the phase structures were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA). This study unveiled a remarkable, interpenetrating network of chainlike nano-ATO within the PAN matrix, consistent with the existence of connected conducting paths at content as low as 4 wt% of the nano-ATO. The storage modulus of the nanocomposites increased with increasing content of ATO, due to formation of immobilized layer between polymer and filler. The interactions between ATO and PAN molecules resulted in high tan δ for the PAN/ATO nanocomposites. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites was found remarkably enhanced by the incorporation of nano-ATO.