Novel epoxy resin composites containing polyaniline coated short kenaf bast fibers and polyaniline nanowires: mechanical and electrical properties

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of newly developed composites consisting of epoxy resin (EP) matrix, polyaniline coated kenaf fiber (KF-PANI) and polyaniline nanowires (PANI-NW). It was shown that the KF-PANI had optimum reinforcing effects and gradually increased electrical conductivity to the EP matrix at 15 wt% loading. Inclusions of PANI-NW to the EP/15KF-PANI composites indicated that the electrical percolation threshold occurred at 5 wt% without significant loss in the mechanical properties. The EP/KF-PANI/PANI-NW revealed conductive composites having good mechanical integrity above the PANI-NW percolation concentration. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-visible spectroscopy studies showed favorable interactions and synergizing effects within the three components.