Aqueous Preparation of Self-Supported Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Polyaniline Conducting Films and the Evaluation of Their Electrical and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to develop a simple method to produce self-supported and homogeneous films composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyaniline (PANI) by the simple mixture of aqueous solutions of both polymers with subsequent drying. The addition of HPMC, a cellulose derivative with an excellent film-forming capacity, was fundamental to overcoming the poor processability of pristine PANI film, which impairs its use in many technological applications. Despite being an insulating polymer, the addition of HPMC did not significantly decrease the conductivity and all hybrid films showed conductivity in the order of 10− 2 − 10− 3 S cm− 1, which is in the range for metals or semiconductors. The typical electroactivity of PANI was also maintained with the addition of HPMC. Also, as a beneficial, adding HPMC the thermal stability and the mechanical properties of the pristine PANI were improved. Cellulose-containing conducting polymers with electroactive activity can be considered as a material of the future, with possible applications in several areas, such as smart wallpapers, e-papers, and sensors.