Synthesis of (PVA/PEG: ZnO and Co3O4) Nanocomposites: Characterization and Gamma Ray Studies

Abstract

Polymer blend (PVA/PEG) and its nanocomposites with constant ZnO and different ratios of Co3O4 NPs films synthesized using solution cast technique. The obtained products were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical characteristics have been studied by UV-visible spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra confirmed of the produce the functional groups present in polymer nanocomposite systems. XRD analysis confirmed the formation nanocomposite films more crystalline from the polymeric matrix. SEM showed a powerful dispersion of ZnO and Co3O4 NPs on the surface of the polymeric matrix. The D.C electrical conductivity of the polymeric system (PVA/PEG) increases after addition of and Co3O4 NPs for all temperatures under test. D.C measurements indicate that all films having one activation energy, and that its value increases with the increase in the percentage of addition. The A.C electrical properties showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss for all films decreases with the increase of the electric field frequency, and that its values increase with the increasing of the wt.% of Co3O4 NPs. The (PVA/PEG) and its nanocomposite with ZnO and different wt.% of Co3O4 films have good linear attenuation coefficients for gamma ray radiation.