Effect of Graphite Loading and Addition of Ferric Chloride (FeCl<inf>3</inf>) on the Properties of Poly (Vinyl Chloride)/Poly (Ethylene Oxide)/Graphite Polymer Films

In this study, films consisting of a blend of poly (ethylene oxide)/poly (vinyl chloride) (PEO/PVC) and a conductive filler, graphite with the addition of FeCl3 as a doping were prepared and characterized for their mechanical and electrical properties. Solid polymer blend films based on PVC/PEO (50/50 wt%/wt%) with different graphite loading were prepared by using solution casting technique. Electrical conductivity results discovered the conductivity increased with increasing of filler loading and addition of FeCl3. However, the addition of FeCl3 in graphite loading led to a decreased in tensile strength of PEO/PVC/Graphite polymer films. The dispersion of graphite and mechanism of conductive path in the polymer films were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology of the PEO/PVC/Graphite polymer films shows that agglomeration occurred to complete the connection of conductive path, thus improving the conductivity behavior of the polymer films.