Hybrid Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Development of Flexible Hydrophobic Polypropylene/SPCB/GNP Hybrid Nanocomposite Films With Excellent EMI Shielding and Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACTThe demand for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has driven the development of novel and facile approach for fabrication of conductive polymer nanocomposites. In this study, a polypropylene (PP)‐based hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating Super P conductive carbon black (SPCB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) via latex technology. A simplistic method of fabrication was adopted where the nanofillers were stirred into the PP latex at room temperature, ensuring the proper dispersion of fillers within the matrix. Hybridizing the nanocomposite by the usage of two different fillers has resulted in a substantial improvement in EMI shielding performance of the material along with its mechanical and thermal properties. The samples were fabricated and tested in three different thicknesses to ensure that EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) is a thickness dependent property and also the studies were carried out over a broad range of microwave frequency. A high electrical conductivity of 7.6 S m−1 was obtained and exceptional EMI SE of 65 dB (X band), 69.76 dB (Ku band), and 72.38 dB (K band) was showcased by 2 mm thickness composites. The optical images of PP latex incorporated with the fillers gave a clear understanding about the formation of conducting networks within the polymer matrix at percolation threshold. The addition of SPCB and GNP also showed a significant increase in hardness and tensile strength of the composite and helped in protecting the polymer matrix against photo radiation. The fillers also aided in the enhancement of the hydrophobicity of the films. The thermal stability, crystallization temperature (TC) and melting temperature (TM) of the composites were also improved when compared to that of neat The works aims at fabricating a hydrophobic and low‐density polymer nanocomposite showing excellent absorption dominant EMI SE.

High sensitive synchrone detection based dynamic Sénarmont method for measurements of electro-optical (EO) Pockels and Kerr coefficients in hybrid nanocomposites films.

This study introduces an innovative approach by employing a highly sensitive synchronous detection-based dynamic Sénarmont method for the precise measurement of electro-optical (EO) Pockels and Kerr coefficients within hybrid nanocomposite films. The experimental setup integrates LabVIEW instrumentation software, ensuring accurate data acquisition. The EO-active film compositions encompass diverse polymer (PMMA) and organic dye combinations, including PMMA/organic dyes (DR1 and CPO), as well as PMMA combined with DR1-SiC, DR1-TiO2, and CPO-TiO2. Through meticulous experimentation and calibration of the Sénarmont setup, this research demonstrates exceptional sensitivity in evaluating EO parameters based on film composition. Notably, the study examines the impact of poling conditions, geometric configurations, and the influence of TiO2 nanoparticle integration on electro-optical behavior. The findings reveal distinctive electro-optical responses, highlighting the significant potential for tailored designs and practical applications in optimizing polymer nanocomposite electro-optical properties. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into refining measurement techniques and leveraging nanomaterials for enhanced electro-optical functionalities.

Detecting low-concentration ammonia with a surface acoustic wave sensor using a silver nanoparticles–graphene–polypyrrole hybrid nanocomposite film

In this study, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator coated with graphene/polypyrrole hybrid nanocomposite films decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G/PPy) is proposed for detecting ammonia (NH3) in parts-per-billion concentrations. The AgNPs-G/PPy hybrid nanocomposite film was synthesized via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the AgNPs-G/PPy hybrid nanocomposite film, confirming its successful synthesis and identifying a wrinkled multilayered structure. The AgNPs-G/PPy hybrid nanocomposite film was spin-coated onto the surface of a stress-compensated temperature-cut quartz SAW resonator having an operating frequency of 98.5 MHz to create an NH3 gas sensor. NH3 adsorption by the AgNPs-G/PPy hybrid nanocomposite film modulated the acoustic wave velocity, and the corresponding frequency shift served as a sensing signal. The synergistic interaction between the three constituent materials (AgNPs, graphene, and polypyrrole) enhanced the sensitivity, selectivity, and response speed of the sensor for NH3 detection. At room temperature, the proposed sensor exhibited a positive frequency shift of 568 Hz when exposed to 50 ppb of NH3 gas and a rapid response time of less than 60 s. In addition, the SAW sensor exhibited excellent selectivity.

Composite polymer films with semiconductor nanocrystals for organic electronics and optoelectronics

Organic materials and, in particular, polymer films enhanced with certain nanocrystals have a potential for wide application in electronics and optoelectronics due to their organic flexibility, lightweight, simple integration, affordable manufacturing cost, and low environmental impact of their production. The purpose of this research is to investigate the electrical properties of polymer-based composite films containing Cd1–xCuxS nanocrystals in order to determine their prospects for use as conductive layers in organic electronics and optoelectronics. The paper contains a detailed description of the synthesis method of hybrid nanocomposite films based on peroxide reactive copolymer (PRC) with Cd1–xCuxS nanocrystals. The defect structure of the films is studied by analyzing the photoluminescence spectra. Current-voltage characteristics of the films with different Cd and Cu contents in the Cd1–xCuxS nanocrystals embedded into the polymer matrix, deposited on glass substrates are measured in the dark and under light illumination. The film conductivity is found to increase with the Cu content in the Cd1–xCuxS nanocrystals. The carrier transport corresponds to the Ohm law at low voltages and the space charge limited current (SCLC) or Poole–Frenkel mechanisms at higher ones. The conductivity of the polymer-based hybrid nanocomposite films has a weak dependence on the intensity of light illumination. The explanation of the obtained experimental results is proposed.

Preparation and Study the Properties of PVDF/PEO/WO2 Hybrid Nanocomposite Thin Films Prepared by a Spin Coating Method

In this work, using the spin coating method to create polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) thin films, the effects of nano-tungsten oxide (WO2) doping were investigated. The novelty of this research lies in its investigation of varying weight concentrations of WO2 nanoparticles (NPs) within the composite films. Comprehensive characterization techniques were employed, including structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed a clear and prominent peak in the XRD of the PVDF/PEO films, and the films' polycrystalline nature with tetragonal structures. The grain size was noted to increase with higher WO2 NPs doping. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed hexagonal-like α-phase PVDF crystals and uniform distribution of WO2 NPs. Furthermore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the characteristics of PVDF/PEO and identified specific doping compounds, confirming successful incorporation. The optical transmittance spectra unveiled the films' optical band gap energy, optical transition types, and absorption characteristics, where novelty emerged as the band gap energy significantly increased from 3.0 eV to 3.64 eV with an increased WO2 NPs weight doping percentage, signifying profound electronic structure modifications and potential applications in optoelectronics and sensors.

Exploring the application of nano hybrid nanocomposite bromocresol green and glutamine: An experimental and simulated TD-DFT study

Synthesized and fabricated as a thin film utilizing the Sol-Gel spin coating instrument, a novel ZnO-bromocresol green dye (BG) and glutamine amino acid (GA) hybrid nanocomposite [BG+GA/ZnO]HNC was produced. FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, and optical properties are some of the characterization techniques that have been implemented. Experimental and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), are employed to examine the [BG+GA/ZnO]HNC/Iso isolated hybrid nanocomposite. The MEP range in the isolated molecule phase and the mean diamond-shaped particle diameter were determined as -1.086 × 10−1 ≤[MEP]≤ 2.665 × 10−1 and 52.68 nm for the hybrid nanocomposite [BG+GA/ZnO]HN, respectively. The hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite films have optical energy band gaps of 2.291 eV and 2.117 eV, respectively, as determined by Tauc's equation. Band gaps were determined as 1.633 eV and 2.213 eV according to the TD-DFT calculations (DMol3) for the hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite of isolated molecules, respectively. Furthermore, the blend and composite films' optoelectrical parameters have been calculated. The experimental value of the thin films closely corresponds to the simulated optical parameter values acquired by CASTEP in DFT for the isolated molecules of the blend and nanocomposites. Solar cell and optoelectronic applications could benefit greatly from the [BG+GA]HNB and [BG+GA/ZnO]HNC films.

Thermal Annealing Impact on Optical Properties of Spin-coated P3HT: CdS Thin Film

Polymers are flexible materials that can be easily processed and are formed into a thin film by several methods such as spin-coating, dip-coating, film-casting, and printing. The spin coating method has been extensively utilized in fabricating solution-prepared organic/inorganic electronic devices, this technique is positively efficient in generating thin film apart from being a flexible method to execute. In this study, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) material is selected as polymer and cadmium sulphide (CdS) as nanoparticles to produce a hybrid nanocomposite thin film through the process spin-coating method. The P3HT and cadmium ion solution were used to fabricate a thin film onto a quartz glass substrate at a spin speed of 500 rpm for 10 seconds. This spin-coated thin film was heated at different temperatures such as 40°C, 80°C, 120°C, and 160°C for optical properties using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The UV-Vis absorption spectra of P3HT: CdS indicated absorption peaks in the UV region, which were ascribed to the band gap of the P3HT: CdS thin film. Our results showed that the optical properties of the P3HT: CdS be contingent on the annealing temperature. The film at room temperature yielded a band gap value of 1.98 eV, at 40°C it resulted in 1.99 eV. The band gap value was increased when annealed at 80°C with 2.02 eV. Annealing temperatures were then raised to 120°C and 160°C, leading to band gap values of 3.11 eV and 2.80 eV respectively.

Physicochemical and thermal characterization and antioxidant property of chicken feather keratin and ginger starch hybrid nanocomposite film

The fabrication of starch-based nanocomposites is regarded as a sustainable method of manufacturing ecologically favourable packaging materials in addition to their better gaseous barrier attribute over starch films. The present study assessed the physicochemical and thermal characterization as well as antioxidant property of a starch-keratin nanocomposite blend fabricated from ginger starch and chicken feather keratin. Starch-keratin nanocomposite films composed of 90:10 and 70:30 ginger starch:chicken feather keratin were fabricated and analysed. The physicochemical characteristics such as moisture content, transparency, water solubility, and water vapour permeability decreased significantly by 22.67 %, 15.06 %, 12.95 %, and 1.40 %, respectively, with a higher keratin level in the film. The tensile strength by 18.84 % with increasing starch content, while the elongation at break was highest in the 90:10, followed by 70:30 film and starch film without keratin, respectively. The absorption spectra representing OH vibrational stretching band in ginger starch was shifted from 3252.4 cm−1 (S) to 3296.4 cm−1 (S-K, 90:10) and 3294.6 cm−1 (S-K, 70:30) while the CH stretching vibration was shifted from 2929.6 cm−1 (S) to 2928.4 cm−1 (S-K, 90:10) and 2923.5 cm−1 (S-K, 70:30). The degree of amorphousity of the film increased with increasing keratin content. The optimum degradation temperatures was reduced from 244.0 °C to 236.8 °C with increasing keratin content. The crystallisation temperature in the starch-keratin nanocomposite film, though higher than those of starch and keratin, was reduced from 286.3 °C (S-K, 70:30) to 266.0 °C (S-K, 90:10). The antioxidant property of the film was significantly higher in the 70:30 film compared to 90:10. Overall, the starch-keratin nanocomposite film presented improved physicochemical and thermal attributes compared to the starch-only film.

Attenuation properties of hybrid nanocomposite film containing Ce2O, GO, and α-Al2O3 nanoparticles for high energy radiations

The use of diagnostic radiation in medical centers has spread due to the incidence of various diseases. Thus, it is essential that patients and medical staff wear protective clothing to protect themselves from their harmful effects. In the past, lead protective clothing has been used; however, the toxicity and heaviness of lead have limited the tendency to use these clothing. Recently, nanocomposites containing heavy element nanoparticles have been introduced as an alternative to lead coatings. In this study, hybrid nanocomposites containing ceria (CeO2), alumina (Al2O3), and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were studied for this purpose. Ceria, alumina, and graphene oxide nanoparticles were mixed with polyethylenevinylacetate (EVA) dissolved in chloroform and casted on a glass plate to form nanocomposite films. The prepared nanoparticles and films were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, and then the attenuation properties of the films against high-energy radiation (120 kV) were studied in two narrow and broad beam geometries. The results showed that hybrid films, despite having a lower percentage of nanoparticles, showed better attenuation properties, which indicated the synergistic effect of nanoparticles with different mechanisms in attenuating the radiations. The attenuation ability of these films was considerable due to their lower density compared to lead. The fabricated hybrid nanocomposite films with a suitable performance in attenuation of high-energy radiations used in therapeutic diagnostics, can be proposed as a suitable alternative to conventional lead clothing.

IncorporatedTiO2nanoparticles intoPVC/PMMApolymer blend for enhancing the optical and electrical/dielectric properties: Hybrid nanocomposite films for flexible optoelectronic devices

AbstractIn the present work, sol–gel‐synthesized titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to create polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) samples. The preparation was carried out via the solution casting method. The synthesized TiO2NPs have a tetragonal anatase phase and an average grain size of 15.7 nm. XRD analysis reveals that the TiO2NPs' addition to PVC/PMMA causes a decrease in the crystallinity of PNCs films. Infrared Fourier analysis demonstrated the interplay/complexity between the PVC/PMMA blend and TiO2NPs. The UV/visible spectrum of the PVC/PMMA blend showed two absorbance peaks at 278 and 208 nm, which may result from the n → π* and π → π* transitions. Also, optical bandgaps for indirect and direct allowed transitions decreased with increasing TiO2NPs concentration. The samples' AC electrical conductivity and dielectric properties were measured at room temperature. As the TiO2NPs content in the nanocomposite rises, a percolating network begins to emerge inside the composite, demonstrating that AC electrical conductivity obeys Jonscher's law. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that nanoparticle concentration leads to a higher composite dielectric loss and dielectric constant. These findings suggest the possibility of using the prepared nanocomposites in capacitive energy storage and optoelectronic devices.HighlightsPVC/PMMA‐TiO2nanocomposites' films were fabricated via the solution casting method.Adding TiO2NPs to PVC/PMMA reduces the crystallinity of the PNCs films.The allowed direct and indirect bandgaps decreased with rising TiO2NPs content.AC conductivity, impedance, and dielectric characteristics were discussed.The findings indicate the use of prepared samples in optoelectronic devices.

High specific surface area MXene/SWCNT/cellulose nanofiber aerogel film as an electrode for flexible supercapacitors

Transition metal carbonitrides (MXene) with two-dimensional layered structures are a recent research topic in the field of supercapacitors. However, because MXene can easily self-stack, its capacitance performance is affected. To this end, one-dimensional cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and carboxylic single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were used to intercalate MXene to obtain well-dispersed MXene/SWCNT/CNF aqueous suspensions and their hybrid hydrogels, and to obtain hybrid aerogels through supercritical drying. CNF gives aerogel excellent porosity, a high specific surface area (301.03 m2 g−1), good electrolyte infiltration, and gentle mechanical flexibility, while SWCNT imparts high conductivity to aerogel film. We assembled a symmetrical all-solid-state flexible supercapacitor and interdigitated micro-supercapacitors using an aerogel film as a flexible electrode. The area specific capacity of the above electrode reaches 746.68 mF cm−2 and 244.50 mF cm−2, respectively. This study provides a fabrication method of polymer–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite aerogel film electrodes for flexible supercapacitors.

Development of CdS-SnO2 hybrid nanocomposite thin films for trace level detection of NO2 gas

In the present work, a novel sensor structure based on hybrid nanocomposite of tin oxide (SnO2) and cadmium sulphide (CdS) has been fabricated for trace level nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas detection. CdS-SnO2 nanocomposite thin films derived from an optimized 3% concentration of CdS nanoparticles (NPs) infused colloidal solution of SnO2. For 10 ppm NO2 gas concentration CdS-SnO2 nanocomposite thin film based sensor structures exhibited a high sensing response of 2.8 × 103 together with quick response (16 s) and fast recovery time (29 s) respectively, at 90 °C. Sensing mechanism of enhanced NO2 sensitivity obtained in case of CdS-SnO2 nanocomposite thin films is explained in detail.

Influence of ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite on optical and structural properties of OC1C10–PPV–DMP thin film

The photophysical properties of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyl-octyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]—End capped with dimethylphenyl (DMP), OC1C10–PPV–DMP, were modified by incorporation various contents of the nanocomposites of both anatase TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO (ZTNCs). The solution blending method was employed to prepare the nanocomposite hybrids of OC1C10–PPV–DMP with ZTNCs before depositing them onto glass substrates. The optical parameters of the hybrid nanocomposite thin films were extracted from both absorption and photoluminescence spectra. XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM revealed the good incorporation of ZTNC into the polymer matrix with the formation of a nanocomposite structure. By increasing the content of ZTNCs in the polymer matrix, the optical parameters of OC1C10–PPV–DMP such as energy band gap, energy tail, steepness parameter, and CIE chromatic coordinates were tuned. The incorporation of ZTNCs resulted in broadened and improved absorption and emission peaks of the polymer with a systematic shift for its corresponding maximum peaks. These unique findings are crucial for improving the performance of optoelectronic devices based on OC1C10–PPV–DMP/ZTNCs.

Tungsten-based hybrid nanocomposite thin film coated fabric for gamma, neutron, and X-ray attenuation

Ionizing radiation such as x-ray, γ-ray and neutron ray have serious negative health effects on human being. Hence, new and smart textile fabric nanocoating was facilely developed and coated on lab coat cloth. The newly hybrid nanocoatings were fabricated from uniform dispersion of PbWO4 NPs and Bi2WO6 NPs of an average sizes of 47.38 ± 7.6 and 9.1 ± 1.8 nm, respectively in chitosan solution. The dispersion of tungsten-based nanoparticles was performed using ultrasonication process, then well dispersed hybrid nanocoatings were coated on textile fabrics derived lab coat. The mass ratio of nanoparticles in nanocoatings were altered and optimized. The attenuation properties of x-ray/gamma ray and neutron ray were studied and achieving good shielding properties compared to uncoated fabrics. Additionally, the antibacterial and mechanical properties of coated fabrics were evaluated. The coated textile fabrics achieved clear inhibition zone of 4 mm compared to zero clear inhibition zone for uncoated ones against E-Coli. Moreover, the developed coating layer achieved good reinforcement effect recording superior tensile strength by 11.5% than uncoated sample. The dispersion properties of nanoparticles in coating nanocomposites were investigated using microscopic tools.

Optimizing electromagnetic interference shielding ofcarbon nanofibersreinforced nylon 6, 6 nanocomposite films in terahertz range

AbstractThe widespread development and usage of electrical and electronic devices in THz frequency band has instigated great concerns regarding the anticipated functioning of devices. The world is in dire need to develop tunable shielding materials which are not only field functional but could also provide shielding against undesired electromagnetic signals by absorption as the primary mechanism. In this work, nylon 6,6 based hybrid nanocomposite films loaded with 0–50 wt% CNFs have been prepared on the cellulosic substrates by air spray coating technique. XRD and FESEM results have established formation of crystalline films having homogeneously distributed CNFs in the polymer matrix leading to formation of an efficient conductive network. IV measurements demonstrate a significant rise in the dc conductivity in the polymer nanocomposite samples with the gradual increase of CNF content in comparison to the pristine sample. Interestingly, sample containing 50 wt% CNFs has shown dc conductivity value of 0.03 Scm−1while shielding effectiveness (SE) of 44 dB obtained through THz‐TDS. The results hold a distinctive position in these samples which have outperformed at a very low thickness of ~570 μm as compared to the results obtained by many other novel polymer composites and present themselves a light weight field functional high THz absorption materials.

Preparation of hybrid conducting polymers blend nanocomposite for energy conversion using experimental data and TD-DFT/DMOl3 computations

In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate in an acidic solution while using ferric chloride as an oxidizing agent, a blend of three conducting polymers of poly (ortho-phenylene diamine) (PoPDA), poly (meta phenylene diamine), and polypyrrole was produced. ZrO2 nanoparticles were prepared via sol-gel method and a hybrid nanocomposite of the three conducting polymers blend and zirconium oxide nanoparticles (TCPB/ZrO2)HNC was synthesized. Using the Physical Vapor Deposition technology, a hybrid nanocomposite thin film was prepared from (TCPB/ZrO2)HNC. Density functional theory (DFT) was also used to develop optimization using TD-DFTD/Mol3 and Cambridge Serial Total Energy Bundle (TD-FDT/CASTEP). By closely matching the reported XRD and Raman spectra, the TD-DFT computations validated the molecular structure of the studied materials and confirmed its molecular structure. According to XRD calculations, (TCPB/ZrO2)HNC has an average crystallite size of 61.67 nm. The direct and indirect optical energy bandgaps for the (TCPB/ZrO2)HNC, are 2.352 and 2.253 eV, respectively. As measured by TD-DFT/DMol3, the isolated molecule of (TCPB/ZrO2) HNC has a bandgap of 2.415 eV. The optical properties suggested by CASTEP in TD-DFT agree quite well with the values obtained experimentally. The large optical energy bandgap of (TCPB/ZrO2)HNC is advantageous for various energy storage applications.

Docking of COVID-19 main protease and TD-DFT/DMOl3 simulated method, synthesis, and characterization with hybrid nanocomposite thin films and its applications

Using the precipitation polymerization method copolymer poly methyl methacrylate co acrylonitrile was synthesized. Hybrid nanocomposite thin films [P(MMA-co-AN)/ZnO]HNC were prepared using the dip casting method by adding ZnO nanoparticles by the ratios 0.25, 0.20, 0.15, and 0.10 according to the weight of P(MMA-co-AN). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis optical properties, and laser photoluminescence PL characterization techniques were used to study [P(MMA-co-AN)/ZnO]HNC films. In addition, density functional theory (DFT), optimization via TD-DFTD/Mol3, and Cambridge Serial Total Energy Bundle (TD-FDT/CASTEP) were used to perform the geometrical study. FTIR spectra from [P(MMA-co-AN)/ZnO]HNC indicates the interaction between the copolymer and ZnO nanoparticles. In the wavelength range of 190 – 800 nm, the optical properties of [P(MMA-co-AN)/ZnO]HNC were considered. The direct energy band gap was found to be changed from 4.1 eV for P (MMA – co – AN) to 3.19 eV for 0.25 ZnO, while the concentration of 0.20 ZnO was the highest in the Urbach energy with 0.17 eV. The refractive index nλ=700 ranges from 1.48 to 1.81 for the concentration of 0.15 ZnO. Three emission peaks at 393 nm, 527 nm, and 775 nm were figured in the laser photoluminescence spectra of [P(MMA-co-AN)/ZnO]HNC films. In order to attain the restrained action of studied ligands (hybrid nanocomposite) novel coronavirus (COVID 19) main protest (6LU7) molecular docking studies were performed. The predicted energy gab by TD-DFT/DMOl3 was found to be agreed with the experimental data in a good manner.

Studies on dielectric properties of barium titanate-polyetherimide nanocomposite

The electrical properties of nanocomposites based on polyetherimide (PEI) filled with barium titanate nanoparticles (BT) getting (PEI/BT) were studied. The hydrophilicity, porosity, and water uptake capacity of barium titanate clay showed a remarkable improvement with a 3 wt%. dosage, conferring to study. Barium titanate has high cation exchangeability, allowing for the incorporation of a variety of cations. Melt mixing method has used to produce the inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposite films made of barium titanate clay and poly(ether-imide) (PEI). By adjusting the barium titanate clay concentration, a variety of PEI nanocomposite films have been produced. Nanoscale distribution of barium titanate clay affected the properties of PEI. PEI as electrical conductivity (1 × 10−11 S/cm) with different wt % clay showed enhanced advance in the properties. The combination of barium titanate nanoparticles (BT) as filler materials generates a synergistic effect within the polymeric matrix of the nanocomposite favoring the increase in the electrical conductivity of the system. With increasing additive concentration, SEM analysis showed an increase in macrovoides and surface roughness. Additionally, the penetration rate increased with the addition of barium titanate. All different types of material dielectric experiments have shown the impact of water or other contaminants. Water has the effect of reducing the nanocomposites' dielectric strength.

Influence of experimental conditions on conductivity of electrospun nanocomposite fibers

This work represents the in-house chemical synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles, electrospinning of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) by using optimized parameters and then air spraying different amounts of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on top of the prepared electrospun Ag-PVDF films, to check the electrical conductivity of the films. The morphology of the prepared sample films were examined by standard characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to carry out the elemental analysis or chemical characteristics of the films. The temperature vs resistance behavior of the prepared films depicted linear variation in temperature with temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) α = − 0.43 %/°C and − 0.63 %/°C, for the Ag-PVDF films having 0.16 mg and 0.8 mg MWCNTs sprayed, respectively, which are comparable to TCR values of reported temperature sensors. The mechanical properties of the films were also determined using tensile tests, which showed great improvement in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus for the MWCNTs sprayed films. These results justify the potential of these hybrid nanocomposite films for energy, environment and sensing (especially temperature sensing) related applications.

Synthesis and characterization of PVDF/PMMA/ZnO hybrid nanocomposite thin films for humidity sensor application

This work aimed PVDF/PMMA thin films in a range of ZnO NPs weight ratios that were successfully manufactured via spin coating as high-performance humidity sensors. The films have been characterized to calculate the structure, functional groups, transmittance and optical energy band gap. X-ray diffraction (XRD) structural studies reveal that the prepared films are polycrystalline with hexagonal crystal structures. It was found that the grain size of these films decreases with the increasing weight ratios of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy reveals the homogeneous distribution of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the PMMA/PVDF matrix. EDX was used to investigate the chemical composition of the PVDF/PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite. FTIR test was performed to identify the functional groups in the prepared samples as well as the detection of doping which is added to the samples. The optical energy band gap values were calculated and types of optical transmission and absorption of the films were determined from the optical transmittance spectra. The optical absorption studies in the wavelength range (200−700) nm show that energy band gap values of the prepared films decrease from (4.98–4.28) eV with increasing the ZnO NPs weight ratio. A sensor for relative humidity within the range (31−100) % RH was manufactured by studying the change of electrical properties (capacitive, resistance) and simulating them theoretically. It was found that the PVDF/PMMA/ZnO NPs nanocomposite is highly sensitive to humidity due to the high porosity of the material. The parameters of the sensors, such as response time and retrieval time, were also studied, and it was found that the manufactured sensors have acceptable values for these parameters.