Synthesis, characterization and physical properties of a novel xanthan gum/polypyrrole nanocomposite

Polypyrrole/xanthan gum nanocomposite was synthesized by oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in presence of xanthan gum. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements confirm the morphology and structure of synthesized nanocomposite. The nanocomposites particles size were obtained from 58 to 98 nm. Also, the surface roughness parameters measured using tapping mode method showed the surface roughness of polypyrrole based nanocomposite extremely affected by xanthan gum. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) curves revealed that xanthan gum can decrease the weight loss of nanocomposite and increase the thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposite as the remained ash amount is improved from 5 to 28%. Also it is found that xanthan gum could enhance the electrical conductivity up to 0.904 S/cm.

► Synthesis of a novel polypyrrole–xanthan gum nanocomposite.
► Morphology and structure of nanocomposite was examined by AFM and FT-IR.
► Electrical conductivity of nanocomposite was enhanced by xanthan gum.
► Thermal stability of nanocomposite increases in presence of xanthan gum.