Synthesis and Micro hardness Studies of Polymer Nanocomposites of ZnS with PVK

Abstract

The synthesis and microhardness studies of ZnS with PVK ((Poly N-Vinylcarbazole) nanocomposites are presented. The thin films was form with different loding of ZnS in PVK using chemical rout method and characterized them SEM (Scanning Electron microscope), XRD (X-ray diffraction), AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) and study their mechanical properties. XRD shows ZnS have cubic nanocrystals structure, with particle size about 3 to 12 nm. Broadening of line shows the formation of amorphous compound. The SEM, AFM images reveal clustering of particles within 10 to 100 nm. These three studies reveal the particle size respectively increases with ZnS loading in the PVK. The microhardness study on pure PVK and ZnS with PVK nanocomposites helps us to understand the modification in properties due to inter- and intra- molecular interactions. It is seen that ZnS with PVK nanocomposites exhibit lower value of microhardness as compare to pure PVK and minimum for highest loading (50% ZnS) of ZnS in PVK. For each ZnS loading at first, the microhardness increases with the load and after that, beyond particular load, it obtain a saturated value, so it can be say the samples are fully strain-hardened at this load. The micro hardness also corresponds to frictional force. With increasing load the coefficient of friction decreases and the frictional force increases linearly with the increasing load. Therefore, the change in Vickers hardness number (Hv) is curvilinear with load.