Characterization of polyaniline/cellulose acetate nanocomposite fabricated through electrospinning

Abstract

The demand for fiber-based electronic devices or electronic textiles is on the rise. Research interest and trends are leading towards conductive nanofibers. This study dealt with the fabrication of conductive polyaniline/cellulose acetate (PANI/CA) nanocomposite through electrospinning. Polyaniline was added to cellulose acetate dissolved in dimethylformamide/acetone at different concentrations. Electrospinning was done with varying flow rates. The composition and conductivity of the nanocomposites were characterized using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and four-point probe test, respectively. The fiber diameter was measured and the bead formation was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Embedment of polyaniline in cellulose acetate was proven with the presence of characteristic peaks in the FTIR spectra. Fibers electrospun using 0.1% polyaniline at 2 mL h–1 registered the highest conductivity at 0.005416 ± 0.000454 S m–1. Finest fibers with an average diameter of 91.56 nm were also obtained using the same combination. The percentage area covered by beads decreases as the PANI concentration increases and is lower at 4 mL h–1. Statistical analysis showed that PANI concentration affects the conductivity more than the electrospinning flowrate and the interaction of flowrate and PANI concentration.