Hemant Shinde, Sagar M. Kakani, Sacchidanand Shinde, A. M. More, J. A. Kher, Sunil R. Patil
Flexible electronics materials demand better mechanical properties along with electronic conductivity. However, these materials in their pure form are relatively more susceptible to structural failures, limiting flexibility for electronic applications, which is impeding its growth in commercial use. Therefore it is necessary to improve their respective properties by means of additives, fillers etc. Graphite powder has been an effective filler material to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties which can be further improved by using graphite in its nano-form. We report effect of reinforcement of nano graphite powder on hardness and electrical conductivity of PAni. The nano graphite powder is prepared by planetary ball milling with different time cycles and characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope. Polyaniline (PAni) and its composite are prepared in the form of pellets. The pellets are prepared by cold pressing. The graphite filled PAni composites are characterized for electrical conductivity and hardness. The outcome of this work is the composite materials with improved mechanical and electronic performance.