Mixed Metal oxide Nanofillers Introduced Poly (vinyl alcohol) based Light-Diffusing Nanocomposites: An Optical Study

Abstract

Mechanically flexible optical diffusers are of significant interest for those optical applications, which demand homogenization of emitted light. These functional materials operate by avoiding the occurrence of otherwise undesirable locally concentrated light. Herein, we report the development and performance evaluation of one such optical diffuser, which was realized using the polymer nanocomposite (PNC) approach. Where, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), acts as the carrier for the light diffusion system, while Mg0.2Ce0.4O nanoparticles serve the role of light-diffusing filler. Further, the success of PNC formation was ascertained from the microstructural changes recorded using powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) studies. While Mg0.2Ce0.4O nanofiller induced changes in surface morphological characteristics of PVA were established using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. While, an electronic spectral study was engaged to establish the optical behaviors of PVA/Mg0.2Ce0.4O NC thick films. Finally, a laser source and a digital camera supported with image processing tools were used to probe the light-diffusing abilities of PVA/Mg0.2Ce0.4O NCs. Going forward, the effect of refractive index (RI) difference and sample-detector separation distance on optical properties of light-diffusing films were also evaluated. And the abilities of light-diffusing PNCs to improve the brightness uniformity of white LEDs were also ascertained. The experimental fallouts support that, the mechanically flexible PVA/Mg0.2Ce0.4O NCs show appreciable light-diffusing abilities. Such PNCs showing appreciable improvement in brightness uniformities of emanating light are of considerable interest in artificial lightings and display devices.