Effect of CdS Nanoparticles on Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties for Gamma-Ray Shielding and Antibacterial Efficiency of PVA/PAAm Polymers Blend

Abstract

We present the production and extensive characterization of a polyacrylamide (PAAm)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric blend doped with varying percentages of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs). Using the solution casting method, CdS-filled PVA/PAAm polymeric nanocomposite (PNCs) films in various weight ratios and percentages were created. The SEM pictures confirmed the identical spreading of CdS NPs in the mix. The filler CdS material might be used to modify the optical characteristics. The film’s direct optical energy gap ([Formula: see text] (dir.)) has been adjusted from 2.30[Formula: see text]eV to 3.30[Formula: see text]eV. The intermolecular interactions of the PVA/PAAm mix were investigated using FT-IR analysis. The electrical properties of alternating current were studied throughout a frequency range of 100[Formula: see text]Hz–5[Formula: see text]MHz. The impact of CdS NPs on the dielectric coefficient ([Formula: see text], dielectric loss ([Formula: see text] and ac conductivity ([Formula: see text] of PVA/PAAm PNCs over a range of frequencies at room temperature has been investigated. With increased CdS NPs, the attenuation coefficient values rose. We demonstrated that doping CdS composites with PVA/PAAm increases the antibacterial (ANB) activity of the composites. As a result of these findings, the PNCs films are appropriate for gamma-ray shielding (GRS) and ANB applications.