Synthesis and physico-chemical properties of composites based on polyaniline and nanosized sulfur

One of the promising directions in the field of creating new composite materials is the development of composites based on conductive polyaniline. In this work, synthesis of polyaniline was carried out in the presence of nanosized sulfur particles. Sulfur particles were obtained both in situ in the reaction mixture and added during polymerization. The studies of the process of oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of insoluble components were carried out using the method of monitoring the open circuit potential (OCP), as well as by recording the particle size with a laser analyzer. All obtained samples were studied using optical spectroscopy methods (IR-, UV-spectroscopy), elemental and thermogravimetric analyzes, scanning electron microscopy, and the change in conductivity depending on the percentage of sulfur was assessed. It was found that the presence of sulfur particles led to a significant decrease in the rate of aniline polymerization, which was reflected in the OCP profiles in the form of an increase in the time to reach maxima. Samples obtained using metal polysulfides demonstrate better thermal stability and electrical conduction properties.