Structural and thermal properties of swift heavy ion beam irradiated polycarbonate/zinc oxide nanocomposites

Abstract

Polycarbonate (PC)/Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite films were prepared by a solution mixing method and irradiated by Swift heavy ion at various ions fluences ranging from 1 × 1011 to 3 × 1013. The surface morphological, structural, and thermal properties of untreated and irradiated PC/ZnO nanocomposite films were investigated by various characterizations techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry, Thermogravimetric (TG) and Thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC). The XRD pattern reveals that the average crystallite size and percentage of crystallinity decreases with increase of ion fluences. TSDC measurement is an evidence of different type of relaxation process. The activation energy released charge and charge carrier mobility for α-relaxation peak decreases, while relaxation time and peak current increase. TG measurement shows thermal stability and mass loss decreases with ions fluences. FTIR spectra reveal the position of different bonds in PC and nanocomposite films. The glass transition temperature of nanocomposites is observed to be decreases with ion fluences.