Complex dielectric behavior of doped polyaniline conducting polymer at microwave frequencies using time domain reflectometry

Abstract

Nano size Tin Oxide is prepared in the laboratory from SnCl₄ and ammonia solution. The polyaniline (PAni) conducting polymer is synthesized by chemical oxidation method using ammonium persulphate as oxidizing agent. The PAni-SnO₂ composite was prepared by insitu method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results confirm the particle size of SnO₂ in the range of 30-48 nm.   Dielectric  behavior  of  nanocomposite  of  PAni-SnO₂ was  studied  in the frequency range 0.01- 20 GHz at -5,0,5,10,15,20 and  25^oC. The dielectric constant (real part ε׳) and dielectric loss (imaginary part ε״) have been evaluated. The relaxation time (τ, τ_o, and τ₁) are calculated. The relaxation time was found to be of the order of ps. The dielectric properties of the solids in the form of powders may be useful in understanding the structural behavior of particles in an alternating field. These studies may also be used to formulate models for predicting the dielectric properties. The microwave absorbing property is decided from the dielectric loss of the material. It is observed that the PAni-SnO₂ composite can be a good electromagnetic shielding material.