Polyaniline/lignin blends: FTIR, MEV and electrochemical characterization

Blends of polyaniline (emeraldine base) and Eucalyptus grandis kraft lignin were prepared by casting method. The maximum amount of lignin that could be used for blending was 36% (w/w); beyond that, fractile films were produced. The IR spectra of the blends indicated that interactions occurred between polyaniline and lignin. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed peaks that were readily attributed to the oxidation/reduction of polyaniline and a new oxi-reduction peak due to oxidation/reduction of sites created during interaction of two polymers. Scanning electronic microscopy showed that all blends were homogeneous.