Tuning the structural, optical and dielectric features of PMMA/PEO/PANi blend using nano MnFe2O4

Abstract

This study aimed to incorporate MnFe2O4 nanoparticles into a nanocomposite blend of poly (methyl methacrylate, PMMA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polyaniline (PANi). The incorporation was achieved using straightforward, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective techniques. The structures of MnFe2O4 and PMMA/PEO/PANi/x wt % MnFe2O4 were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and/or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The diffused reflectance technique was employed to investigate the linear optical properties of all blends, including absorbance, transmittance, reflectance, extinction coefficient, linear refractive index, optical dielectric constant and optical conductivity. PMMA/PEO/PANi blend has direct and indirect energy gaps of 5.33 and 4.65 eV, respectively. As MnFe2O4 doping level increased to 2.5 wt%, the smallest direct and indirect energy gap values of 5.16 and 4.08 eV were obtained, respectively. The addition of 1 wt% MnFe2O4 to the blend increased the refractive index value at 600 nm to 2.24. Nonlinear optical parameters of PMMA/PEO/PANi/x wt% MnFe2O4 blends were calculated. The emitted colors and their purities of all blends were investigated as a function of MnFe2O4 concentration. The obtained results suggested that the PMMA/PEO/PANi/x wt% MnFe2O4 blends may be used in a variety of optoelectronic and storage applications.