Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline filled PU/PMMA interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of conducting interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), are prepared by sequential polymerization of castor oil based polyurethane (PU) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyaniline doped with camphor sulphonic acid (PAni)_CSA. The effect of different amount of PAni (varies from 2.5-12.5%) on the properties of PU/PMMA (50/50) IPNs such as electrical properties like conductivity, dielectric constant and dissipation factor; mechanical properties like tensile strength and percentage elongation at break have been reported. (PAni)_CSA filled IPNs shows improved tensile strength than the unfilled IPN system. The thermal stability and surface morphology of unfilled and (PAni)_CSA filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPN sheets were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). TGA thermograms of (PAni)_CSA filled PU/PMMA (50/50) IPNs show a three-step thermal degradation process. SEM micrograms of filled PU/PMMA IPN system shows spherulitic structure at higher concentration of (PAni)_CSA.