Polyaniline-Silica Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization and Studying Physical Properties

Nanocomposites are a special class of materials having unique physical properties and wide application potential in diverse areas. Encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles inside the shellof conducting polymers is the most popular and interesting aspect of nanocomposites synthesis. These materials differfrom both the pure polymers and the inorganic nanoparticles in some properties [1-4]. Polyaniline (PANI) is a conductive polymer with a conjugated-electron backbone that displays unusual electronic properties and uses in batteries, supercapacitors, electrochemical (bio) sensors, conductivetextiles and fabrics, mechanical actuators, electromagnetic interference shielding, anti-static coating and drug delivery systems. However, the principal problems with the practical utilization of conducting polymers like PANI include its poor mechanical properties like brittleness and low processibility