Synthesis, characterization and DC conductivity studies of polypyrrole/copper zinc iron oxide nanocomposites

Polypyrrole and polypyrrole/copper zinc iron oxide (copper zinc ferrite) nanocomposites were synthesized by in-situ polymerization using Ammonium Persulphate as oxidising agent. The nanocomposites were synthesized by mixing polypyrrole and copper zinc iron oxide in different weight percentages. The formation of nanocomposites and changes in the structural properties were investigated by characterizing the samples using XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis. The size of the particle was analysed by XRD using Scherrer equation and found to be in 20 nm range. DC conductivity was measured in the temperature range 300 K–473 K. The DC conductivity was found to be constant for the temperature range from 300 K–433 K. But the conductivity showed an exponential increase for the temperature 433 K–473 K, and it obeys Arrhenius relation. Activation energies were evaluated from Arrhenius plots for all compositions. Results show that incorporation of additive material significantly reduces the activation energy for the DC conductivity of the composites, and the decrease in the activation energy is also dependent on the amount of the nanoparticles in the composites. As the polymers are used in the various manufacturing products, this study indicates the possibility of using such polymers in the form of composites as superior insulating material in the fields of electrical or electronic insulation and allied areas.