6 - ZnO nanofillers–based polymer and polymer blend nanocomposites

Abstract

The chapter deals with the synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticle–filled polymer and polymer blend nanocomposites. The ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical route and X-ray Diffrtion (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to examine their quality. The widely used solution casting method was used to prepare the nanocomposites. In this chapter the preparation and characterization of two different sample profiles are discussed: ZnO–poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposite and ZnO–polycarbonate (PC)/polystyrene (PS) blend nanocomposite. The profiles of the prepared ZnO-filled nanocomposites and blend nanocomposites were examined using XRD, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). The analysis of these studies confirms that the solution casting method is a good choice for the preparation of such composites. Further, these samples are subjected to ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometer and differential scanning calorimeter in order to investigate their optical properties and thermal behavior, respectively. The optical studies reveal the applicability of samples for packaging, antireflection coatings, UV protection, and waveguides. The nonisothermal transition studies confirm that the ZnO nanoparticles may lead the polymer matrix toward a more stable state. The PET matrix provides favorable sites for heterogeneous nucleation for crystallization, that is, ZnO nanoparticles may be the potential choice as nucleating agents. In PC/PS blend polymer matrix these particles give the matrix more thermal stability, which makes these blend nanocomposites more versatile for other potential applications too.