Characterization of Electrically Conductive Hydrogels - Polyaniline/Polyacrylamide and Graphene/Polyacrylamide

Two types of electrically conductive hydrogels were prepared using polyaniline (PANI), graphene and polyacrylamide (PAA). PANI/PAA hydrogels were prepared using interfacial polymerization method and Graphene/PAA hydrogels were prepared using free radical polymerization method. Several characterization tests were carried out to investigate the properties of conductive hydrogel such as FTIR, electrical conductivity tests, swelling tests and compression tests. Results obtained were compared with non-conductive PAA hydrogels. FTIR indicated synthesis of both conductive hydrogels were succeeded. Incorporation of PANI and graphene into PAA hydrogels had significantly improved the electrical conductivity of the hydrogels. PANI/PAA hydrogels had a decrease in swelling ratio and an increase in Young’s modulus compared to PAA hydrogels. Meanwhile, Graphene/PAA hydrogel showed a totally different result. Swelling ratio of Graphene/PAA hydrogels was increased but the Young’s modulus was decreased as compared to PAA hydrogels.