Synthesis of silver‐nanoparticle‐embedded polyphosphazene/polypyrrole nanocomposites and study of their morpho‐mechanical, flame‐retardant and conductivity behavior

Abstract In this research, novel thermally stable, flame‐retardant and highly conductive nanocomposite films with different compositions of polyphosphazene (PTFPP), polypyrrole (PPY) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with improved mechanical properties were prepared using the solution casting process via in situ reduction of AgNO 3 . The synthesis of PPY, PTFPP and PTFPP/PPY@Ag nanocomposites was confirmed by NMR, Fourier transform IR, XRD, SEM and TEM analyses. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy demonstrated the formation of hydrogen bonding between PPY and PTFPP, ensuring the compatibility of PTFPP/PPY blends. Morphological analysis revealed the uniform distribution of AgNPs in the PTFPP/PPY matrix. XRD studies showed the appearance of crystallinity in the nanocomposites due to the hetero‐nucleation effect of AgNPs. TGA revealed enhancement in the initial and final degradation temperature and percentage char yield of PTFPP/PPY@Ag nanocomposites due to the presence of strong C–F bonds and Ag content. Besides this, mechanical strength analysis displayed a maximum rise in tensile strength of PPY by 124.25% when it was blended with 75% PTFPP and AgNPs. The UL‐94 test and limiting oxygen index analyzer provided a V‐0 rating of flame retardancy for all nanocomposites along with a maximum limiting oxygen index value of 42.8% for PTFPP/PPY@Ag‐III. Lastly, conductivity measurements using a four‐probe technique exhibited the highest electrical conductivity of 5.121 S m −1 for PTFPP/PPY@Ag‐III. These nanocomposites may impart great potential as flame‐retardant conducting materials with good mechanical strength in advanced multifunctional applications such as electronic devices, flame‐resistant coatings and aerospace components. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.