Polyaniline (PANI) has received great attention as a conducting polymer from researchers in the field of organic synthesis and development of conducting nanocomposite polymer technology for superconductors. Different methods of PANI synthesis are being sought for the obtainment of electrically robust PANI composites for electronic and other useful applications. Different inorganic matrices have been considered for this purpose. This study attempts to prepare PANI In situ on arginine-modified nanoclay template by chemical oxidation polymerization. Further, the PANI/Arginine-modified nanoclay was used to prepare PANI/Arginine-Nanoclay/Carboxymethyl cellulose/Ethylene glycol conducting film with robust electric conductivity (EC). Electrical conductivities, anti-bacterial evaluation, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetry analysis (DTG) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used for the characterization studies and property evaluation. The electrical conductivities of PANI/Arginine-Nanoclay/Carboxymethyl cellulose/Ethylene glycol nanocomposite film reached 1900 S/Cm. FT-IR data, 3304–3196, 2926–2828, 2200–2022, 1733, 1620 and 1052 cm-1 respectively, confirmed the presence of organic intercalates, CMC, quinoid and benzenoid rings of PANI, and the inorganic nanoclay matter in the nanocomposite film. SEM revealed the presence of spine-like nanoflowers with elongated and expanded particle agglomerations. Thermal stability of the prepared nanocomposite thin film reached 700oC. The zone of inhibition ranged from 24-36 mm against S. typhi, E. coli and S. aureus. In conclusion, PANI nanocomposite thin conducting films had robust EC and antibacterial properties. In addition, the In-situ synthesis of PANI on Arginine-modified nanoclay platform aided the electric conductivity of the nanocomposite system.
Keywords: Antibacterial properties; Electric conductivity; Nanocomposite; Organo-nanoclay; Polyaniline.