Surface modification of M-Ba-ferrite powders by polyaniline: Towards improving microwave electromagnetic response

A composite of polyaniline (PANI)-coated M-type hexagonal barium ferrite (M-Ba-ferrite) powder was prepared by an in situ polymerization of an aniline monomer in the presence of M-Ba-ferrite particles. The obtained composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structure and microwave response properties were investigated. The continuous coverage of polyaniline has been produced on the platelet M-Ba-ferrite particle surface, and a core–shell structure has been formed. The results show that the coverage of polyaniline has a great influence on microwave response of M-Ba-ferrite particles. A polyaniline thin layer formed on the surface of a barium ferrite particle changes the character of frequency dispersion of microwave absorption. The results indicate the existence of an interaction at the interface of polyaniline macromolecule and barium ferrite particle, which influences the physical and chemical properties of the composite. The interaction and interfacial polarization are seen as important factors contributing to the influence on microwave response of the PANI-coated ferrite composite powders.