Blend Matrix Research Articles

Application of Taguchi approach to optimize the waste glass powder in developing eco-friendly ternary blended aluminosilicate matrix

This study investigated the effects of incorporating varying proportions of waste glass powder (WGP) and fly ash (FA) on the strength characteristics of ternary blended ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) based geopolymer matrix. The examination was conducted to explore the impact of different levels of substitution of WGP (ranging from 25 % to 40 %) and FA (ranging from 20 % to 35 %) in GGBS-based geopolymer concrete under conditions of ambient curing, employing Taguchi L16 optimization. An investigation into the influence of various input parameters on the compressive strength and workability results was carried out through the utilization of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis based on signal to noise ratio (SNR) revealed that the most effective mix composition consisted of 30 % WGP, 20 % FA, 50 % GGBS, and an 8 M NaOH solution, yielding the highest compressive strength value of 48.3 MPa. Additionally, the examination of the microstructure and morphology of the geopolymer fragments was explored by utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), revealing the creation of a densely packed microstructure for the optimal blend.

Development of halochromic labels based on binary systems of cationic guar gum and κ-carrageenan loaded with alizarin red S for monitoring milk and seafood freshness

Monitoring of food quality, in particular, high-protein food quality, is an important component in ensuring food safety and human health. In this research, a feasible and easy solution casting and solvent evaporation strategy was adapted to fabricate alizarin red S (ARS)-loaded halochromic cationic guar gum (CGG) and κ-carrageenan (CAR) blend packaging labels to improve its good physical strength, multifunctional acid–base responsive characteristics, and water barrier properties. The findings indicated that incorporating CAR at 40% polymer solid mass achieved higher tensile strength (21.0 ± 1.77 MPa), water resistance (29.92 ± 6.61% solubility), and thermal stability, which can be attributed to good compatibility between CGG and CAR. The results obtained from FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analyses demonstrate that the incorporation of ARS exhibits non-covalent bonding with the polymer blend matrix through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, thus reducing its crystallinity and restructuring the CGG-CAR matrix disorderly. The prepared indicating label films presented visual recognition of ammonia and trimethylamine (TMA-N) at 0.008 mM in 6 min (the total color difference (ΔE) for TMA-N is＞11.89), and can be reused at least six times. Moreover, the color of ARS at different pH values remains persistent for at least 180 days. The practical applications show that the films, as indicator labels, can realize real-time, accurate, and visual dynamic monitoring of seafood (shrimp) and milk by engendering three chromatic stages discernible by the naked eye (fresh, spoiling, and spoiled). The ΔE for monitoring sub-fresh milk and shrimp reached as high as 14.91 and 13.32, respectively.

Effect of SiC nanoparticles on mechanical and damping properties of epoxy/polysulfide rubber blend composite

Blend polymer matrix composite material are becoming more and more popular due to their promising mechanical properties. In this research, blend polymer mixture was make from epoxy resin (EP) blended with different weight percentages of polysulfide rubber (PSR) (0, 3, 6, 10, 15, and 20%). Then tensile, impact, bending strength and damping ratio were evaluated to get the high quality of mechanical properties for the blend matrix. Due to the requirements to enhance the mechanical properties of this blend; a various weight fraction of carbide silica (SiC) nanoparticle was used as a reinforcement in the ratios of (0, 1, 3, and 5%) by weight to the best ratio of the blended matrix. Tensile, impact, bending and damping ratio tests were also conducted to get the best mechanical properties for the blend materials. Experimental results for the blend matrix showed that adding polysulfide rubber to epoxy resin resulted in a decrease in Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and bending strength; however damping ratio and the impact strength increased. It is found that the weight fraction of 6% of PSR is the Better case, which gave the better mechanical characteristics properties for mixture. Utility of this mixture; it has intermediates between flexible properties of a mixture at the highest rate of PSR and brittle mechanical properties for EP resin. Mechanical and damping properties showed an increasing when the carbide silica (SiC) with a weight fraction of 3% added, then it decreased slightly.

Effects of SiO2 Nanoparticles on Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Polymer Blend Films’ Structural, Wettability, Surface Roughness, and Optical Characteristics

The blend matrix composed of polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose (PVA/CMC) was prepared via the casting method. SiO2 nanoparticles were added as reinforcement in different amounts (SiO2 = 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt.%). The study utilized FTIR to examine the alterations in composition and the interplay between the blend matrix and the inclusion of SiO2. Also, for the first time, the surface roughness and surface wettability of the PVA/CMC blend matrix were investigated with the addition of SiO2 using measurements of contact angle and surface roughness parameters. The surface roughness and wettability of the blend matrix increased as the SiO2 content increased. In addition, the blend matrix optical features were determined by the UV–visible spectrophotometer. Based on the analysis using Tauc’s relation, it was found that the energy bandgap decreases from 5.52 to 5.17 eV (direct transition) and from 4.79 to 4.32 eV (indirect transition) for the PVA/CMC and PVA/CMC/4%SiO2 blend films, respectively. The refractive index increases from 2.009 to about 2.144 for the PVA/CMC and PVA/CMC/4%SiO2 blend films, respectively. Furthermore, optical conductivity and dielectric constants were improved for the PVA/CMC blend film after the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Mechanical, rheological, thermal and morphological properties of pistachio shell powder reinforced / linear low-density polyethylene/polyolefin elastomer biocomposites

In the present study, 20 wt% ENGAGE (a polyolefin elastomer) is melt blended with 80 wt% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) followed by composite preparation with pistachio shell powder (PSP) in various compositions (40 wt% to 70 wt%). The effect of variation of PSP content on mechanical properties is studied. The processability of composites is improved because of the unique processability of ENGAGE. Consequently, filler-containing capability of the LLDPE/ENGAGE (LE82) blend is also enhanced considerably due to extra space generated by amorphous ENGAGE. Again, blending of 20 wt% ENGAGE with 80 wt% LLDPE is helpful for maintaining mechanical properties of LLDPE/ENGAGE/PSP composite in useful range. The rheological study confirms that complex viscosity (η), storage modulus (G’) and loss modulus (G”) remain almost unchanged with the incorporation of a high quantity of PSP into the LE82 blend system for all the composites in the entire frequency range. From the rheological study, it is seen that the thermoplastic nature of the composites is maintained. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show the structural integrity of LE82 blend-based composites revealing the thermal stability of the organic filler and consequently the composites. SEM also shows uniform dispersion of PSP into the LLDPE/ENGAGE blend matrix. Such biocomposite with 70 wt% biodegradable component and reliable mechanical properties is attractive for wide spread applications.

Comparative investigations on polymer gel electrolytes comprising triflate salts of Li, Na, Mg in TEGDME solvent and PVdF-HFP/PVP blend matrix

Comparative investigations on polymer gel electrolytes comprising triflate salts of Li, Na, Mg in TEGDME solvent and PVdF-HFP/PVP blend matrix

Development of PVA/sodium alginate incorporated with histidine capped silver nanoparticles for food packaging application

AbstractPackaging is a growing field of interest, and the use of nanotechnology is accelerating its expansion. The study reports the fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended sodium alginate (SA) and incorporated with different ratios of histidine‐capped silver (H‐AgNPs) nanoparticle films. Fabrication of PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs films was confirmed with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band denoted AgNPs presence between 400 and 420 nm measured by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The characteristics of the polymeric biocomposite films were significantly altered by different ratios of AgNPs. The interaction of PVA/SA and PVA/SA with AgNPs was analyzed by using FT‐IR analysis. The degree of crystallinity was increased upon increasing the concentration of H‐AgNPs as confirmed by XRD measurements. The homogeneity of dispersion and surface morphology of samples were studied by FESEM. The addition of H‐AgNPs in the polymeric film increased the surface roughness of the polymeric film confirmed by AFM analysis. The contact angle of the PVA/SA blend matrix was observed to be 46.97°, and with the incorporation of AgNPs ranging from 3%, 5%, and 7% to the blend matrix, the contact angle of the nanocomposite films in increasing hydrophobic order was 60.53°, 83.57°, and 96.20°, respectively. The incorporation of AgNPs also demonstrates that the PVA/SA blend matrix has desirable thermal stability. The improved qualities were due to H bonding between PVA, SA, and H‐AgNPs, in which molecules contact strongly with one another. Furthermore, the PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive (G+) strains (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (G−) strains (Escherichia coli) bacterial infections. The findings of this research indicate that the PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs fabricated composite films considerable for applications in food packaging.

Gelatin/sodium alginate-based biodegradable films functionalized by persimmon pectin/ovalbumin-stabilized neem essential oil Pickering emulsion: Application for cherry tomato preservation

This work aims to develop a biodegradable film with enhanced mechanical, water-barrier, and antimicrobial characteristics for the preservation of cherry tomatoes. Here, a persimmon pectin/ovalbumin (PN/OVA) stabilized-neem essential oil Pickering emulsion (NOPE) was added into the gelatin/sodium alginate-based blend matrix (GS). Even the biodegradability and transmittance of NOPE-rich film were decreased as compared to the control film, its flexibility, oxygen-barrier, and water-barrier performances significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 45.23 %, 32.32 %, and 37.02 %, respectively. The NOPE-loaded films destroyed the hyphal structure and reduced spore germination of Botrytis cinerea through slow-releasing neem essential oil (NO), in turn inhibiting the growth of B. cinerea. Finally, the prepared films were applied for cherry tomato preservation. Compared with the control, 2.0 wt%-loaded GS films greatly reduced the weight loss and disease incidence of cherry tomatoes by 57.33 and 72.4 %, respectively, owing to their excellent water resistance and slow-released properties. Thus, the addition of 2.0 wt% NOPE into GS film is of particular interest in the design of active biodegradable packaging films for fruit preservation.

The effect of filler loading, biological treatment, and bioplastic blend ratio on flexural and impact properties of blended bioplastic reinforced with spent coffee ground

AbstractIn this study, the mechanical and morphological characteristics of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend matrix reinforced with spent coffee ground (SCG) were investigated across various weight ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100) and SCG contents (10–40 wt%). SEM micrographs revealed a phase‐separated structure with cracks on the fracture surface, consistent with the lower flexural properties of biocomposites. The incorporation of SCG reduced mechanical properties, mainly due to its incompatibility with the PHA/PLA matrix. Biocomposites with high SCG content demonstrated lower energy absorption capabilities, likely due to SCG aggregates acting as stress concentrators and disrupting load‐transferring mechanisms. Moreover, increasing PHA content in the blends led to higher PLA crystallinity, as PHA acted as a nucleating agent for PLA. For biological treatment, biocomposites with PHA/PLA ratio (50/50) and SCG loading (20 wt%) were employed. The microscopic analysis highlighted well‐dispersed treated SCG within the matrix and improved interfacial contact. Biocomposites with treated SCG demonstrated remarkable enhancements of 52% and 113% in flexural strength and modulus, respectively. These findings proved the effectiveness of sustainable fungal treatment in enhancing interfacial adhesion and improving the mechanical performance of biocomposites.Highlights Percentage of SCG in bioplastic blend as a significant effect on the flexural properties and impact strength. The ratio of the bioplastic blend has the strong influence on the flexural properties and impact properties. Biological treatment of SCG has improved the interfacial interaction between SCG and bioplastic blend. The treated SCG has rougher surface which facilitates the interfacial locking between bioplastic blend and treated SCG. The biological treatment of SCG has improved the mechanical properties of the composites.

Microporous Adsorbent-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2 Separation

As the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration rapidly rises, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an emerging field for climate change mitigation. Various carbon capture technologies are in development with the help of adsorbents, membranes, solvent-based systems, etc. One of the main challenges in this field is the removal of CO2 from nitrogen (N2) gas. This paper focuses on mixed matrix membrane technology, for which the CO2/N2 separation performance is based on differences in gas permeations. Membrane separation and purification technologies are widely studied for carbon capture. Microporous adsorbents such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture have been attracting researchers’ attention due to their highly porous structures, high selectivity values, and tunable porosities. Utilizing microporous adsorbents dispersed within a novel, blended polymer matrix, fourteen membranes were prepared with the commercial MOF ZIF-8, zeolite 13X, and kaolin, with methyl cellulose (MC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which were tested using a single gas permeation setup in this study. The addition of polyallylamine (PAH) as a chemisorbent was also investigated. These membranes were synthesized both with and without a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) support to compare their performances. MC was found to be an ideal polymeric matrix component to develop free-standing MMMs. At 24 °C and a relatively low feed pressure of 2.36 atm, a free-standing zeolite-13X-based membrane (MC/PAH/13X/PVA) exhibited the highest N2/CO2 selectivity of 2.8, with a very high N2 permeability of 6.9 × 107 Barrer. Upon the optimization of active layer thickness and filler weight percentages, this easily fabricated free-standing MMM made of readily available materials is a promising candidate for CO2 purification through nitrogen removal.

Fabrication and Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles-Embedded Polymer Blend Matrix of Sodium Alginate/Gellan Gum Beads for the Controlled Release of Amikacin Sulfate

Fabrication and Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles-Embedded Polymer Blend Matrix of Sodium Alginate/Gellan Gum Beads for the Controlled Release of Amikacin Sulfate

One-Step Prepared Multifunctional Polyacrylonitrile/MIL-100(Fe) Membrane with High-Density Porous Fibers for Efficient Dye/Oil Wastewater Remediation.

With environmental pollution becoming more serious, developing efficient treatment technologies for all kinds of organic wastewater has become the focus of current research. In this work, the coaxial electrospinning technology was used to one-step fabricate a porous and underwater superoleophobic polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membrane with an Fe-based metal-organic framework (MIL-100(Fe)). Benefiting from the synergistic effect of two jets, the nanofibers are smaller and denser, which prompt the exposure of more nanomaterial additives (MIL-100(Fe)). The BET surface area increased to 202.888 m2/g, and the membranes demonstrated outstanding underwater superoleophobicity. Moreover, compared with traditional blended matrix membranes by the single-axis method, separation of the modifier and membrane matrix material by coaxial methods also maintained excellent mechanical properties, which enhanced Young's modulus 3.4 times (∼1.34 MPa). As a result, facing soluble dyes, the porous C-PAN/MIL-100(Fe) membrane can demonstrate outstanding and fast adsorptive property (the Qm of MB and CR reached 44.71 and 88.74 mg g-1, respectively). For oily emulsion, the hydrophilic and oleophobic nanofibrous reticular surface provided excellent separation performance (flux: 1124.0-1549.3 L m-2 h-1, R > 98%). Moreover, the porous and underwater superoleophobic C-PAN/MIL-100(Fe)-0.5 membrane can synchronously purify the dye/oil mixture emulsions by one-step filtration. Based on the above performance, we believe that the modified nanofibrous membrane prepared by one-step coaxial electrospinning technology can promote more studies of the development of membrane preparation technology in the field of oily wastewater treatment.

CO2-Philic Nanocomposite Polymer Matrix Incorporated with MXene Nanosheets for Ultraefficient CO2 Capture.

The incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) functional nanosheets in polymeric membranes is a promising material strategy to overcome their inherent performance trade-off behavior. Herein, we report a novel nanocomposite membrane design by incorporating MXene, a 2D sheet-like nanoarchitecture known for its advantageous lamellar morphology and surface functionalities, into a cross-linked polyether block amide (Pebax)/poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGMEA) blend matrix, which delivered exceptional CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation performances that are critical to industrial CO2 capture applications. The finely dispersed Ti3C2Tx nanosheets in the blend polymer matrix led to an expansion of the free volume within the resultant mixed matrix membrane (MMM), giving rise to a substantially enhanced CO2 permeability of up to 1264.6 barrer, which is 102% higher than that of the pristine polymer. Moreover, these MXene-incorporated MMMs exhibited preferential sorption for CO2 over light gases, which contributed to an exceptional CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 selectivity (64.3 and 19.2, respectively) even at a small loading of only 1 wt %, allowing the overall performance to not only surpass the latest upper bounds but also exceed many previously reported high-performance nanosheet-based nanocomposite membranes. Long-term performance tests have also demonstrated the good stability of these membranes. This composite membrane design strategy reveals the remarkable potential of combining a blend copolymer matrix with ultrathin MXene nanosheets to achieve superior gas separation performance for environmentally important gas separations.

Assessing remote learning's feasibility: A comprehensive analysis of Philippine public-school teachers’ use of learning management systems and blended learning approaches

This study examines the ever-changing environment of blended learning, with a special emphasis on how teachers in public schools in the Philippines use Google Classroom in the shifting educational landscape. Based on a mix of academic views and practical research, the study seeks to improve our understanding of the difficulties and possibilities related to blended learning. The conceptual framework, derived from Graham et al.'s blended teaching matrix, classifies interactions into four quadrants, offering a complete structure for comprehending blended learning situations. The study aims to identify the blended teaching approaches used by instructors, evaluate the utilization of Google Classroom features and Google Apps for Education, and ascertain the frequency and dependence of Google Classroom as a key teaching tool. Data was gathered from 123 public-school teachers at the Schools Division Office of Isabela through a systematic survey. The results demonstrate a prevalent use of Google Classroom features, highlighting its significance in facilitating the transmission of lessons, communication between students, distribution of assignments, and improvement of learning activities. An examination of the features of Google Classroom, Google Apps for Education, and Google Docs file templates reveals a wide range of use patterns among instructors, ranging from seldom to regular utilization. Teachers demonstrate favorable attitudes towards the adaptability and compatibility of Google Classroom, emphasizing its seamless connection with portable devices. Challenges arise from the sporadic Wi-Fi connections, which have a negative influence on the quality of blended learning. The research suggests implementing customized professional development program for teachers and highlights the need to include adaptive technological frameworks in curriculum design. This study provides essential knowledge on the implementation of blended learning methods by public school teachers. It gives suggestions for policymaking, curriculum design, and teacher training in response to the ever-changing educational environment.

Assessing the stress-transfer capability of mineral impregnated PBO yarns in a limestone calcined clay cement-based (LC3) matrix

Technical textiles made of poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) represent attractive candidates for strengthening and repairing damaged concrete and masonry structures, due to the outstanding durability and mechanical performance of PBO fibres. Similarly to their aramid counterparts, PBO fibres have proved very effective against dynamic and impact loading. In this contribution, the pull-out behaviour of PBO multifilament yarns embedded into a blended cement-based matrix is investigated, with particular reference to its stress-transfer capacity. In addition to the as-received PBO yarns, impregnation with a cement-based suspension, which can fully preserve the inorganic nature of the composite system, is also evaluated. Experimental results are presented and interpreted using a one-dimensional mechanical model. The findings indicate that mineral impregnation of the yarns provides a 40% increase in the stress-transfer capacity with the matrix, corresponding to a halving of the anchoring length. These performance gains are also supported by a transition in the failure mechanism which shifts from friction-based pull-out to fibre rupture.

The Photocatalytic Performance of Ag /TiO2/Nylon 6/PMMA System

Herein, Ag/TiO2/Nylon 6/PMMA catalyst system was developed, and its photocatalytic properties were fully analyzed. XRD, SEM, EDS, and PL analyses were carried out to get information on crystal structure, micromorphology, elemental composition, and band gap energy. Photocatalytic degradation was followed by UV–vis spectrophotometry. The band gap of the catalyst was found to be between 2.51 and 3.1 eV. Up to 80% degradation was achieved under UV light irradiation. No bulk adsorption was observed, which means that the reaction was completely carried by the photocatalytic process. pH 3 value was determined to be suitable for a high rate. Reaction kinetic was determined to be matched with the first-order rate law. The newly developed polymer blend matrix system here may have broad application prospects in the remediation of water resources.

Thermal, mechanical, electrical properties of poystyrene/poly (styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites

In this study, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) materials was prepared by using a styrenic elastomer (10, 20, 30 wt%) and carbon nanotube (CNT) (3, 5, 7, 10 phr) by melt blending technique as alternative to commercial HIPS including polybutadiene rubber. The poly (styrene- b-isobutylene- b-styrene) (SIBS) was used as thermoplastic elastomer with polystyrene (PS) to improve its poor impact resistance and CNT was added to PS/SIBS blend matrix to maintain its strength and stiffness. The modulus, tensile strength and toughness values of the blends decreased while those of impact resistance increased in comparison to neat PS. The impact strength of PS20SIBS blend containing 20 wt% SIBS was found to be approximately 530% higher than pure PS. The nanocomposites of the PS20SIBS exhibited a decrease in the size of SIBS particles with increasing CNT compared to PS20SIBS. This was ascribed to the increased viscosity of PS matrix via CNT filler, preventing the coalescence of the elastomer domains. Compared to the PS20SIS, its nanocomposites showed higher strength, modulus and toughness, but lower impact strength. The toughness of the nanocomposite containing 5 phr CNT (PS20SIBS-5CNT), increased by 117% while its creep deformation decreased by approximately 40%, in comparison with PS20SIBS blend. Although PS20SIBS-5CNT exhibited lower impact strength than the PS20SIBS blend due to the dispersion of smaller SIBS particles in the PS matrix, it still increased the impact strength of pure PS by 188%. The PS20SIBS-5CNT nanocomposite, which improved impact strength and creep resistance with optimal toughness and tensile modulus can be used as a novel HIPS material that tunes the hardness-toughness/impact balance effectively. Moreover, the same nanocomposite was found to reach the conductivity threshold by exhibiting 106 times lower electrical resistance in comparison with that containing 3 phr CNT, leading to a conductive filer network with 5 phr loading of the nanotubes into the system.

Ag Nanoparticle Incorporated Guar Gum-Sodium Alginate-I-Carrageenan Tribiopolymer Blended Cloth Waste Lint Extracted Cellulose Nanocrystal Antimicrobial Composite Film.

A biopolymer-based formulation for robust and active food packaging material was developed. This material consisted of a blend of three biopolymers (guar gum-sodium alginate-i-carrageenan) reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) alongside the integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with varying sizes. The CNC utilized in this process was derived from cloth waste lint (CWL) generated from a household cloth dryer machine. This CNC synthesis underwent a series of solvent treatments to yield the CNC used in the composite. CNC and AgNPs were incorporated into the tribiopolymeric blend matrix to construct a nanocomposite film that showed excellent tensile strength (∼90 MPa). The nanocomposite film also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Bacillus cereus MTCC 1272. In this report, it was demonstrated that the zone of inhibition against E. coli and B. cereus depends on the variation of size and amount of AgNPs inside the polymeric matrix. The practical applicability of such a film was also demonstrated by applying it to sliced bread and the enhancement of the shelf life of the raped bread was compared with a control. Thus, the guar gum-sodium alginate-i-carrageenan tribiopolymer blend with a cloth waste lint extracted cellulose nanocrystal composite film is antimicrobial, hence, an excellent candidate as an active packaging film.

Effect of Hot Pressing on the Optical, Thermal, and Dielectric Properties of Solution Cast Prepared Nanocomposite Films Based on a Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene) and Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Blend Matrix with Dispersed Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

In our research described herein, the hot pressing treatment at 90 °C under 2 tons of pressure on solution cast polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films based on a host matrix of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with varying polymer blend compositions (20, 50, and 80 wt% P(VDF-HFP) or PEO) and 2 wt% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller, was performed; the effects of this treatment and the composition variations on the optical, thermal, and dielectric properties was explored. The ultraviolet-visible wavelength range study revealed slightly reduced absorbance and a little increased energy band gap after the hot pressing of the nanocomposite films. Differential scanning calorimetry of the solution cast-hot pressed (SC-HP) PNC films explained the reduced thermal stability of the poly(ethylene oxide) crystallites and also the degree of crystallinity. The broadband dielectric measurements of these materials, at 27 °C, confirmed significant changes in various dielectric polarization processes, demonstrating a large redistribution of constituent interfaces by the hot press treatment. Additionally, the 90 °C hot pressed PNC film of equal polymer compositional ratio was further hot pressed at 130 °C and 160 °C, step by step, and characterized to examine the variations in dielectric properties. The properties of these thermally treated composite films are discussed concerning their use for flexible device applications.

Studies of the Properties of New Electrospun Based on PVA-PEG Polymer Systems Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been considerably investigated due to various electrochemical device applications. Most of the SPEs comprise polymer as a host material to provide strength and good mechanical stability and salt that transfers charge carriers to cause conductivity. Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte membranes based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blend complexed with LiClO4 and nanofillers Al2O3 at different weight percent ratios have been obtained by using electrospinning method. The conductivity and structural properties of the different systems have been characterized by using various experimental approaches such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopy. The ionic conductivity of the systems has been measured by using an LCR meter in a temperature ranging from 298 to 353 K. Maximum ionic conductivity of 1.58 × 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature has been observed for the system of PVA-PEG-LiClO4-Al2O3 (50-25-15-10) with 15 wt% weight percent of LiClO4 salt in PVA-PEG blend matrix. The ac conductivity report indicates that the ionic conductivity of the PVA-PEG-LiClO4-Al2O3 complex is influenced by the concentration of LiClO4. The effect of temperature on the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte complexes has been estimated by changing the temperature ranging from 298 to 353 K. However, the conductivity of the nanofiber polymer electrolyte systems increases with the rise of temperature, and the maximum conductivity of 1.58 × 10-2 S cm-1 has been recorded at 353 K. The temperature-dependent conductivity follows the Arrhenius behavior.