Polythiophene/Na-montmorillonite composites via intercalative polymerization

Abstract

Conducting polythiophene (PTP)/Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) composites have been prepared by intercalative polymerization. The synthesized composites are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal analysis. XRD  and TEM images showed that the PTP was intercalated into the clay layers. The thermogravimetric analysis and the differential thermal analysis revealed the introduction of Na-MMT results in thermal stability of composites with respect to pure PTP. Furthermore, adsorptive properties, the moisture retention, and water uptake values of composites were investigated. Conductivity behavior of composites was also studied.