Enhanced optical, thermal and electrical properties of chlorinated natural rubber/zinc ferrite nanocomposites for flexible electrochemical devices

Abstract

This work focused on optical, thermal stability and temperature-dependent electrical properties of chlorinated natural rubber (Cl-NR)/zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanocomposites. The insertion of ZnFe2O4 into Cl-NR showed a decrease in bandgap energy was revealed by UV spectroscopy. The thermal stability of rubber nanocomposites increased with an increase in the content of nanoparticles. The AC conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent of the nanocomposites were higher than the parent polymer and these properties increased with an increase in temperature and frequencies. The non-ohmic type of AC conductivity proves the dynamic relaxation process of typical semiconducting materials. The activation energy calculated from AC conductivity decreases with the temperature. The semi-circular arc obtained from Cole-Cole plot proved the temperature enhanced conductivity of the nanocomposites. The DC conductivity increased with the increase in content of nanoparticles and the changes in conductivity were correlated with different theoretical approaches such as Scarisbrick, Bueche and McCullough model. The experimental conductivity of nanocomposites was in good agreement with the McCullough model indicating the interfacial interaction developed in rubber nanocomposites. The enhanced optical properties, dielectric constant, thermal stability and electrical conductivity of Cl-NR/ZnFe2O4 systems enable the fabrication of highly-durable flexible electronic devices, actuators, super-capacitors and elastomeric pressure sensors.