Phase change induced by polypyrrole in iron-oxide polypyrrole nanocomposite

Nanocomposites of polypyrrole and iron oxide were prepared using simultaneo us gelation and polymerization processes. Varied amounts of pyrrole monomer were added to a solution containing iron nitrate as precursor and 2-methox y ethanol as solvent. The presence of oxide and polypyrrole was confirmed b y using X-ray and FTIR techniques. Some of these nanocomposites exhibited m agnetic behaviour. SEM studies of powders indicated presence of nanosized p articles. Electrical conductivity studies of powders showed a slight variat ion in conductivity for lower concentration of pyrrole, with a sudden incre ase in conductivity at 15% or pyrrole concentration. A transition from a no nmagnetic to magnetic phase was also observed at the same concentration.