Structure and properties of epoxy/polyaniline nanocomposites

Epoxy/polyaniline nanocomposites have been prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline carried out in hydrophilic epoxy networks based on polyoxyethylene (POE) swollen in aqueous solutions of aniline hydrochloride. Formation of polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles in water-rich phase of swollen networks has been revealed by transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The nanoparticles are dispersed in elastomeric matrix, suppress effectively crystallization of POE and increase glass transition temperature of the matrix.