Studies on electrical conductivity of PVA/graphite oxide nanocomposites: a free volume approach

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) and graphite oxide (PVA/GO) polymer nanocomposites of different GO wt% have been prepared. The decreased positron lifetime parameter viz., o-Ps lifetime (τ3) at the lower concentration of GO indicates the improved interfacial interaction between the surface of GO nanoparticles and side chain of PVA polymer matrix. This is evident from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The increased o-Ps lifetime (τ3) after 0.4 wt% of GO suggests the increased interfacial area at the interface of PVA and GO nanoclusters. The increased electrical conductivity at the lower concentration of GO suggests the conductivity chain formation through the nanoparticle aggregation. The decreased conductivity at higher concentration of GO indicates the reduced conducting pathways for the mobility of charge carriers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show the random distribution of GO nanoparticles and the formation of nanoclusters in PVA matrix at the lower and higher concentrations of GO nanoparticles respectively.