A Colloidal Silica Poly(N-Vinylcarbazole) Nanocomposite Dispersible in Aqueous and Nonaqueous Media

N-vinylcarbazole was polymerized in the presence of FeCl3-impregnated ultrafine silica powder in benzene solution. The precipitation of polymer followed by benzene extraction of the poly(N-vinylcarbazole)-silica mass afforded a poly(N-vinylcarbazole)-silica nanocomposite. The composite exhibited a higher thermal stability and higher dc conductivity relative to poly(N-vinylcarbazole) homopolymer. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the particle size of the composite to be about 26 ± 5 nm. The nanocomposite could be dispersed in water, dimethyl sulfoxide, or propanol in the presence of polyvinylpyrrollidone to yield a stable suspension.