Structural and Dielectric Properties of PPy/ZnO Composites

Polypyrrole-ZnO composites have been synthesized by chemical oxidation method using an anhydrous ferric chloride (Fecl3) as an oxidizing agent for different weight percentages of ZnO. The surface morphology has been studied by scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and structure by X-ray diffraction technique. The SEM images of composites showed agglomeration of particles. The XRD pattern of the composites revealed the composites to be largely noncrystalline. The dielectric properties were measured at room temperature for the frequency range from 100Hz to 1MHz. Dielectric constant and loss decreased with increase in frequency. AC conductivity increased with frequency and ZnO concentration. Conductivity contains both frequency dependent and independent contributions, Conduction in these composites can be attributed to free as well as trapped charges.