In-situ synthesis of polyaniline coated montmorillonite (Mt) clay using Fe+ 3 intercalated Mt as oxidizing agent

• Polymer coated clay layers were synthesized using a novel method.
• (FeCl3·6H2O) used as an oxidizing agent after intercalation.
• Polymer coating on clay layer proved by electrochemical studies.
• A novel idea for the synthesis of conducting filler is proposed.

Polyaniline (PAni) coated over montmorillonite clay (Mt) layers is reported through in-situ oxidative polymerization. A new approach of synthesis has been adopted in which oxidizing agent (FeCl3·6H2O) is first intercalated into organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMt) in THF solvent and this ferric ions intercalated clay layers are thereafter re-dispersed into aqueous solution of monomer for polymerization. Choice of THF and aqueous medium is governed by ease of intercalation of Fe+ 3 into OMt and subsequent diffusion of monomer into interlayer spaces during polymerization respectively. The intercalation of polymer within the interlayer spaces has been studied and confirmed using various techniques.

A novel method for the synthesis of polymer coated clay layers carried out using two steps: first oxidizing agent (FeCl3·6H2O) is intercalated into organically modified montmorillonite clay followed by polymerization of aniline.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide