Synthesis and Characterization of Polypyrrole/Graphene Oxide/Natural Polymer Bio composites with Enhanced Electrical Conductivity and Biodegradability

Abstract

This work reports the successful synthesis of novel polypyrrole (Ppy) based biocomposites with enhanced electrical conductivity and biodegradability. These materials were synthesized through chemical in situ polymerization, incorporating graphene oxide and various natural fillers; cellulose, starch and sodium alginate into the polypyrrole matrix. The composites were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, SEM, UV-DRS, four probe electrical conductivity measurements and biodegradability evaluation through weight loss method. FTIR studies confirmed the integration of all three the fillers into the polypyrrole matrix. SEM micrographs revealed that sodium alginate containing composites exhibited increased porosity, which can be correlated with enhanced biodegradability. UV-DRS results showed that the composites exhibited lower band gaps compared to pure polypyrrole, indicating improved electrical conductivity. The biodegradability tests showed significant improvement in the decomposition rates for the biocomposites relative to pure polypyrrole, especially Ppy/GO/Sodium alginate, exhibited better biodegradation properties. Comparative analysis of all the synthesized materials revealed that all the three PPy based biocomposites demonstrated superior performance with respect to both conductivity and biodegradability than pure Ppy, with Ppy/GO/Sodium alginate composite evolving as a potential candidate for environmentally sustainable applications.