Synthesis, characterization, and coating application of a highly conductive polyaniline-TiO2 nanocomposite

In the present work, synthesis, and characterization of a highly conductive polyaniline doped with TiO2 nanocomposite that allows static charges to flow through the floor and be safely grounded has been reported. The effect of different dopant concentrations on the conductivity and other properties of the polyaniline nanocomposite was investigated. FTIR shows the characteristic vibrational bands of N-H, C-H, C=C, aromatic ring, and C-N at 3428, 2913, 1566, 1466, and 1294 cm-1 of the polyaniline (PANI) and v(Ti-O) at 470 cm-1 of its composites. The lattice strain examined by Rietveld analysis of XRD data exhibits microstrain broadening of 7.3 due to local deformation of Ti and O atoms caused by interaction with polyaniline. TEM analysis of the average size and distribution of PANI and its composite particles confirms the dispersion of TiO2 in the PANI matrix, with diameters ranging from 2-22 nm and a median of 7 nm. The conductivity of polyaniline was increased with increasing the dopant of TiO2 up to 10% (wt/wt) which was the optimal one exhibiting an excellent value of 33.93 S/cm, for the first time. PAT10 is a promising material for electronic manufacturing facilities, clean rooms, and other environments where static electricity can be a hazard. Highly conductive PAT10 nanocomposite as a floor coating effectively reduces electrostatic risks, providing both safety and durability.