Prakash Chandra

In this study, novel superabsorbent polymer composites based on natural acacia gum (AG) were synthesized via graft copolymerization of itaconic acid (IA) in the presence of inorganic kaolin powder. The polymerization was initiated by ammonium persulfate (APS) and crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (N-MBA). Key variables influencing the polymerization process, including the concentrations of KPS, IA, N-MBA and the AG/kaolin weight ratio, were systematically studied to optimize water swelling capacity. The structural characterization of the synthesized composites was performed using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The FTIR spectrum revealed a new absorption band at 1671 cm–1, confirming the successful integration of kaolin powder and the formation of inorganic-organic polymer linkages. Additionally, the degree of neutralization was examined, along with the evaluation of critical parameters such as free absorbency capacity, absorbency under load of 16.9 g/g and centrifuge retention capacity of 55.1 g/g. The results demonstrate the potential of these superabsorbent polymer composites for various applications due to their enhanced water absorption properties.

The tremendous interest for robust, clean energy storage devices to comprehend the growing needs of modern gadgets has led to exploration of materials having unprecedented electrochemical and interfacial properties. Here, the present study deals with the synergistic effects of multi walled carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanocomposites on the electro-chemical and thermal properties for wide-range of applications. The microstructural, structural, and optical characterizations have been evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The thermal stability of the product was also studied through thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and the room temperature electrical conductivity was also measured. An exceptional enhancement in thermal stability and conductivity has been observed apparently due to interfacial properties of polyaniline (PANI) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Further, in present study we are going to report a comparative analysis of thermal and electrical properties of PANI/MWCNT nanocomposites with different loadings of MWCNTs. The room temperature conductivity as calculated for 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% MWCNT loading is around 2.019, 3.075, 4.48, 8.73 S/cm respectively. The mechanism for thermal and electrical enhancements in PANI-coated MWCNT nanocomposites is also expounded.