Synthesis and characterization PVA/plasma-functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposites films

Abstract

Thin films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) loaded with various concentrations of (f-MWCNTs) were prepared via the regular casting method. The physicochemical characteristics of pure and PVA/f-MWCNTs films were investigated with various techniques; X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the impact of loading ratios of f-MWCNTs on the dielectric constant and AC conductivity of the PVA/f-MWCNTs nanocomposite film was examined. XRD results suggest a possible improvement in the crystallinity of the PVA/f-MWCNTs composite film compared to a pristine one. Also, FTIR and XPS results confirm the formation of a hydrogen bond between PVA chains and f-MWCNTs. The optical band gaps of the PVA/f-MWCNTs composite film decrease, while the optical conductivity (σopt), dielectric constant (έ), and AC conductivity increase with increasing wt% of f-MWCNTs in the PVA matrix. Further, the thermal stability of PVA/f-MWCNTs films improved in comparison with that of PVA film.