Synthesis and Characterization of a Bio‐Based Conductive Material: Graft Copolymer of Polypyrrole onto Polyhydroxybutyrate

ABSTRACT The work is focused on synthesizing a novel graft copolymer of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) with the aim of developing conducting properties using Polypyrrole (Ppy). Graft copolymerization of Ppy onto PHB was obtained via free radical polymerization using Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. After polymerization, the graft copolymer was cast in the form of a film. Different variables of the graft polymerization, such as initiator concentration, monomer concentration, temperature, and reaction time, have been studied to obtain the optimal grafted PHB‐g‐Ppy copolymer film. The structural, thermal, morphological, and mechanical characterizations of PHB‐g‐Ppy were evaluated using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Universal testing machine (UTM). The electrical properties were studied by the Two‐point Probe and LCR meter. The results show that Ppy was successfully grafted onto the PHB polymer. The graft copolymer exhibits significant enhancement in the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conductivity as compared to that of PHB.