Electronic properties of intrinsically conducting polymer-cellulose based composites

In situ polymerisation of pyrrole, aniline and derivatives with cellulosic substrates provides composites with potentially useful properties. Conductivity relative to the untreated substrate is increased, and an inverse relationship of conductivity to dielectric, and hence capacitance is observed. A metallic layer such as copper may be deposited electrochemically onto the surface of the composite, and the metal surface may then be oxidised to form either the green carbonate patina commonly seen on bronze statues, or a deep red oxide layer. When the polymer used is polypyrrole, silver may be reduced onto the surface following reduction of the polymer via hydrazine or sodium borohydride. The composites have been characterised via scanning electron microscopy, impedance analysis, cyclic voltammetry and conductivity measurements.