Executive Summary : | We will investigate the crystallization of binary blends, wherein both the components are crystalline. Since the components are chemically dissimilar in nature, they phase separate via macrophase separation. In the presence of crystalline nature of the components, there is always an interplay between phase separation (viz., macrophase separation) and crystallization. Usually, the high melting component crystallizes first followed by the crystallization of the low melting component. The first crystallizing component creates a confinement for the crystallization of the second component. As a result, the crystallization of the second component is slowed down and influence the overall crystal morphology. The modification of the morphology alters the properties, which enable to prepare tailored-made material for potential applications. In the present study, we will investigate the crystallization and morphological development of polyaniline (PANI)-based binary blends, PANI/PVA and PANI/PEG. PANI being a conducting polymer finds its application in sensing and energy storage applications. On the other hand, PVA and PEG, being the biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, is important for biomedical applications. However, the detailed understanding of the crystallization behavior of these blends is not properly understood. PVA can form a hydrogel, in the presence of water, subject to the temperature (less than 0 °C). It is interesting to see the interplay between the phase separation and crystallization in the presence of hydrogel forming component. We will prepare the blend by in-situ oxidative polymerization method for polyaniline. The method of preparing blend will ensure the formation of a well-mixed blend and hence can prevent macrophase separation. We will investigate the crystallization, before and after the hydrogel formation, to understand the effect of PVA on the structure and property of PANI. PEG would form a hydrogel in the presence of cross-linkers, such as pentaerythritol tetra-acrylate. In addition, crystallization of binary blends represents the model for studying polymer phase transition in the presence of nanoscale confinement, which is relevant in nano science and nano technology. |