Synthesis, Characterization, Electrical Conductivity and Material Properties of Magnetite/Polyindole/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blend Nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, electrical conductivity, thermal and magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles containing polyindole (PIN)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend nanocomposite by in situ polymerization method. UV–Visible, FTIR, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA and VSM analysis were employed to characterize the blend composite. The dielectric properties, AC and DC conductivity were studied with respect to different content of Fe3O4 particles in PIN/PVA. UV and FTIR spectrum indicates the strong interaction between the interfaces of nanoparticles and the blend matrix. XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline nature of nanocomposite. SEM images showed that the nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed into the polymer with good spherically shaped network structure. The glass transition and melting temperature of the composites were higher than the parent blend polymer and the thermal transitions increases with the concentration of nanoparticles. TGA results indicated that the thermal stability of nanocomposites were much higher than PIN/PVA and the thermal stability increased with the concentration of nanoparticles. Both AC and DC conductivity of the blend nanocomposite was much greater than blend and the maximum electrical conductivity was observed for 10 wt% of nanocomposite. Dielectric constant and loss tangent were found to be decreased with an increase in frequency, whereas these properties increased with the concentration of nanoparticles. Magnetic hysteresis loops shows the superparamagnetic nature of the composites. The saturation magnetization and remenance values of nanocomposites were increased with increase in content of magnetite nanoparticles.