Solution Casting Method Research Articles

Effect of 90 MeV oxygen and carbon ion irradiation on structural, optical and dielectric properties of ZnO embedded in PVA matrix

Abstract ZnO nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix have been synthesized by solution casting method. The samples were irradiated with 90 MeV O7+ and C6+ ions to different fluences. The structural characterization indicated the semicrystalline nature of PVA along with the formation of ZnO/PVA nanocomposite. The reduction in the peak intensity of the sample upon ion irradiation is due to the chain scissions as well as creation of free-radicals. The crystallite size of the sample increased from ~5.57 to 6.47 nm with increasing fluence. The morphological study reveals the uniform distribution of the ZnO nanoparticles inside the PVA matrix upon ion irradiation. UV-Visible absorption study indicated the presence of both direct and indirect band gap transitions in the sample. Although, the direct band gap of the sample decreased slightly at the initial ion fluence, but the same increased from ~2.95 to 3.82 eV and ~2.95 to 3.73 eV with increasing ion fluence from 0 to 1×1012 ion cm-2, for 90 MeV O7+ and C6+ ion irradiation, respectively. Similar features have also evidenced for the indirect band gap transition. This could possibly be due to the chain scission or cross linking of polymer. The reduction in both real part and imaginary part of impedance with the progress of frequency along with the shifting of impedance peak upon ion irradiation demonstrates the presence of a relaxation process in ZnO/PVA nanocomposite. Both the ion irradiation led to the alteration in dielectric constant and loss, electric modulus, impedance and AC electrical conductivity of the sample. The increase of electrical conductivity of the ZnO/PVA nanocomposite at certain ion fluences of irradiation could be due to uniform dispersion of ZnO inside the PVA matrix as well as the increase of free radicals, unsaturation, loss volatile fragments, etc. due to breaking of chemical bonds.

Nano‐SiO2 Composite Solid Polyelectrolyte Membranes Based on Bis‐Imidazole Cationic‐Functionalized Benzonorbornadiene Block Copolymers for Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries

ABSTRACTSolid polyelectrolytes (SPEs) have garnered considerable attention and extensive research due to their exceptional flexibility, low cost, and ease of industrial production. This study synthesized bis‐imidazole cationic functionalized benzonorbornadiene block copolymers rP(NB‐MGE‐b‐BenzoNBD‐BisIm+TFSI−) via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The block copolymers were blended with lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiTFSI) and nano SiO2 to prepare the composite solid polyelectrolytes membrane (CSPEMs) rP(NB‐MGE‐b‐BenzoNBD‐BisIm+TFSI−)/LiTFSI/SiO2 by a solution casting method for applications in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). This research investigates the effect of different nano‐SiO2 content on the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of the composite SPEs. The relationship between the intrinsic structure and properties of rP(NB‐MGE‐b‐BenzoNBD‐BisIm+TFSI−)/LiTFSI/z wt% SiO2 (z = 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5) was studied. When the SiO2 content is 5.0 wt%, the maximum ionic conductivity reaches 9.3 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30°C and 1.5 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80°C. The NCM811/CSPEM/Li battery exhibits an initial reversible discharge capacity of 149.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 C, with a coulombic efficiency maintained above 96%. After 50 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C, the capacity remains at 148.9 ± 8 mAh g−1, with the coulombic efficiency continuing to exceed 96%, which demonstrating robust cycling stability.

Effect of NiO Nanofiller on P(VdC‐Co‐AN) With PEG Polymer Blend Electrolyte for Energy Storage Applications

ABSTRACTSolid‐state polymer electrolytes with safety and high energy density are promising novel options for energy storage devices. Nevertheless, the low ionic conductivity and limited mobility of lithium ions at room temperature have significantly impeded their practical application. A flexible composite polymer electrolyte was fabricated using a solution casting method. This electrolyte consisted of a polymer blend of poly (vinylidene chloride‐co‐acrylonitrile) (PVdC‐co‐AN) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), incorporated with lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) as salt, propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticizer, and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles as filler. The electrolyte is prepared by the various concentrations of NiO nanoparticles (Nps) (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%). The prepared NiO is confirmed by the XRD analysis, and the incorporation of NiO in the polymer blend also determined. The polymer salt plasticizer and filler interactions are confirmed by the FTIR analysis. At room temperature, the sample containing 15% of NiO has a high ionic conductivity value of up to 10−3 S cm−1. The electrochemical and also thermal stability of this electrolyte is achieved at 4.8 V and 312°C. The mechanical stability is enhanced up to 29 MPa. The remarkable performance enhancement is attributed to the incorporation of NiO, which facilitated improved ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and compatibility for energy storage applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of magnetic chitosan/oxidized schizophyllan nanocomposite film for Biomedical Application

Synthesis and Characterization of magnetic chitosan/oxidized schizophyllan nanocomposite film for Biomedical Application

Postbiotic-biosynthesized silver nanoparticles anchored on covalent organic frameworks integrated into carboxymethyl chitosan-based film for enhancing antibacterial packaging.

Food packaging plays a vital role in guaranteeing the quality and safety of fresh products during the storage and distribution. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is identified as a promising polymer for food packaging film owing to its film-forming ability, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. Nevertheless, the practical applications of pure CMCS film usually suffer from some limits owing to its poor antibacterial effect and mechanical strength. In this study, postbiotic-biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) anchored on covalent organic frameworks (COF) (namely COF-AgNP) were integrated into the CMCS film to enhance antibacterial packaging performance for preservation of fruits. Utilizing postbiotic as a reducing agent, COF-AgNPs composite nanomaterials were prepared by anchoring AgNPs on COF via in-situ reduction of Ag+. Furthermore, antibacterial packaging film was prepared using CMCS and COF-AgNPs (CMCS@COF-AgNPs) via a solution-casting method. Furthermore, characterization results proved that mechanical strength of CMCS@COF-AgNP films exhibited a gradual enhancement with the increased COFs-AgNPs content. Moreover, CMCS@COF-AgNP films exhibited an enhanced antibacterial activity and excellent biocompatibility. Importantly, CMCS@COF-AgNP coating can effectively preserve citrus quality and prolong its storage time. Therefore, CMCS@COF-AgNP films could be used as a promising and economically viable solution to diminish postharvest losses and prolong the shelf life of fresh products.

PVA/CMC‐Ag Polymer Blend Nanocomposites Prepared by Doping Bio‐Derived Ag Nanoparticles and Their Structural, Thermal, Optical, Antimicrobial, and Electrical Characterization

ABSTRACTThis work reports the influence of bio‐derived silver (Ag) nanoparticles insertion on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) polymer blend prepared by solution casting method. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal the dispersion of silver nanoparticles into polymer blend matrices. Thermal studies by DSC and TGA indicate the increased thermal stability of the polymer blend due to the addition of bio‐derived silver nanoparticles. Three different steps of weight loss shown by dTGA curves indicate the loss of water adsorbed, elimination of side chains, and the decomposition of the main chain. The maximum degradation of the pure sample occurred at a peak temperature of around 252°C with 65% of degradation, whereas the maximum degradation of the doped samples occurred at a peak temperature of around 322°C with 26% of degradation, which evidences the increased thermal stability of the doped sample. UV–visible spectral analysis shows a decrease in both direct and indirect band gap values with increasing dopant concentration in the polymer blend host, which is an indication of the formation of complexes between the polymer blend and the filler. The antifungal properties of PVA/CMC/Ag blend films are evaluated against four distinct fungus strains. The findings indicate that the activity index increased with the amount of Ag nanoparticles filled in. According to the study, doping PVA/CMC with Ag nanoparticles increases its antimicrobial efficacy. Since these nanocomposites have both electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties, they may be suggested for future investigation in biomedical applications, including wound dressing and infection prevention.

Optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol-glass waste powder composites

This study investigates the effect of glass waste powder content on the UV–Vis spectroscopy of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The glass powder was obtained from the waste of fluorescent tubes. The solution casting method was utilized to prepare PVA- glass composite films by adding glass powder with 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt. %. UV–Vis absorption spectra of PVA- glass samples were recorded in the range 220–1100 nm. The optical parameters were calculated as follow: absorbance, absorption coefficient, transmittance, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, and imaginary dielectric constant. Based on the XRD results, it is revealed that the PVA become more amorphous with increasing amount of glass waste. UV–Vis spectroscopy studies demonstrated that, for all samples, the absorbance, absorption coefficient, extinction coefficient, and Ei increases with the increase in the amount of glass waste. On the other hand, transmittance decreases with increasing amount of glass waste. The change of the studied properties with wavelength depends strongly on the amount of glass waste powder. At visible region, the transmittance is stable with increasing wavelength for samples containing 20, 30 and 40%. Glass waste, while the pure sample and the sample containing 10% glass waste, the transmittance increases with the wavelength. On the other hand, the absorbance and absorption coefficient for all samples decreases rapidly up to a specific wavelength and then the change is very slight at longer wavelengths. Also, the increase of extinction coefficient and imaginary dielectric constant with wavelength is related to the amount of glass powder added. The change of dielectric constant and refractive index with wavelength depends on the amount of the filler, where the pure and the sample filled with 10% glass powder show normal dispersion, while the other samples show anomalous dispersion. Finally, the pure sample had the highest energy gap (5.7 eV) while the sample containing 30% glass powder had the lowest value (4.8 eV). Through this study, it become possible to change the optical properties of PVA by adding glass waste powder, which allows the possibility of benefiting from the new composites to be used in different applications according to their response to different wavelengths. From an economic and environmental point of view, these wastes can be utilized instead of being thrown away by reusing them as polymer fillers, taking into consideration the change in the optical properties of the matrix polymer.

Structural and electrochemical properties of NH4SCN-doped almond gum biopolymer electrolytes

The development of solid polymer electrolytes based on natural gums represents a promising step toward sustainable energy solutions, driven by their abundance, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and nontoxic nature. This study primarily focused on the fabrication of a solid polymer electrolyte using almond gum (Amygdalus communis) doped with NH4SCN salt using solution casting method and investigated its impact on ionic conductivity. An ionic conductivity of 1.123 × 10−4 Scm−1 was attained for the membrane with 40 wt% ammonium thiocyanate. Through XRD and FTIR analysis, the amorphous nature and the interaction of certain functional groups with the salt provided insights into its potential for use in sustainable energy systems. Transference number analysis confirmed the major charge carriers present in the polymer electrolyte.

High temperature QDs organization and re-crystallization in glass supported MgO QDs doped PMMA film

We have blended MgO QDs with poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) thin films using solution-casting method. MgO QDs were doped at 5 wt %, 10 wt %, and 15 wt % in PMMA film and annealed for 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 14, 20, 24, and 28 h at 130 degree Celsius. We have comprehensively investigated the molecular-scale restructuring and morphological evolution of the composite films and have accounted for the reasons based on the observations made on chemical bonding, crystallinity, bandgap, Urbach energy, and fluorescence and Raman spectra. We observe that the film loses its overall crystallinity in the initial stages of annealing, which improves slightly owing to the temperature-induced limited diffusion of MgO QDs (sizes in the range of 7.0603–9.5647 nm). MgO QDs undergo coarsening at temperatures as low as 130 0C. The limited diffusion of MgO QDs allows for the formation of larger clusters, which in turn affects the local crystallinity of the composite films. We report local-scale re-crystallization driven by dispersion forces acting globally. As far as the quantum nature of forces is concerned, this work clearly demonstrates some unique energy dissipation mechanism of charge carriers in QDs via overlapping with long-range dispersion forces. The morphological evolution of the films is the outcome of the reconciliation of forces. We discuss the role of competing forces. The evolution of nano-micro scale structures inside films is governed by the reconciliation between inter- and intra-molecular forces. The temperature of the film plays an important role in facilitating the entire process. To obtain molecular-scale insights, we have estimated the crystallinity, bandgap, and Urbach energy of the pure and hybrid films. MgO QDs diffuse locally and coalesced to form larger spherical clusters. The anchoring of MgO QDs on the PMMA surface and vice-versa appears to provide thermal stability and mechanical strength to the nanocomposite films, as the MgO QDS-doped PMMA film form nanometer-sized particulates of PMMA. In contrast, the overall crystallinity of the hybrid film drastically decreases as the formation of boundaries, interfaces, and voids overwhelmed the entire process. The formation of larger nanoaggregates at later stages of annealing slightly improves the crystallinity of the films. The estimation of the bandgap and Urbach energy calculations confirm the same. The micro-level phenomenological understanding of the diffusion process of nanodots in a nearly solid film is technically important for ensuring the sustainability of such nanocomposites that undergo a heating process.

Extension of shelf-life of mangoes using PLA-cardanol-amine functionalized graphene active films.

Multifunctional PLA films were fabricated through the solution casting method by incorporating cardanol oil (CA) and amine-functionalized graphene (AFG). The effect of the CA, and AFG on the structural, mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical and antioxidant properties of PLA films were investigated. FTIR analysis of PLA-CA films showed distinct peak positions at 1590cm-1 corresponding to the aromatic C=C aromatic bond of CA, showing that CA is compatible with the PLA. The XRD analysis reveals that CA reduced the intensity of the PLA peak at 16.8° and the AFG enhanced the sharp intensity of the same peak. The surface morphology of CA and AFG inclusion films showed the uniform dispersion of fillers into the PLA matrix. The tensile properties of CA inclusion film showed increased elongation by 153%, and AFG enhanced the tensile strength by 35% compared to neat PLA. The thermal properties, such as DSC and TGA curves, showed that the CA and AFG influenced the Tg and Tm values of the fabricated PLA films. The antioxidant activity of PLA films was significantly enhanced by 28 and 12 times for CA and AFG inclusion films, respectively and showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi (MTCC-733) bacteria. The developed PLA active films enhanced the shelf-life of mangoes by 15days.

2D Ti3C2Tx–xGnP incorporating PVDF/PMMA blend composites for dielectric capacitors

A comprehensive study of the dielectric and ferroelectric characteristics of polymer composites of xGnP–MXene hybrids (GMHs) in PVDF/PMMA blend films made via a solution casting method is reported.

Conductivity and mechanical properties of PEO/PVA/UiO-66 composite polymers for membrane of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium batteries are crucial for energy storage in electronics, transportation, and industrial sectors. However, lithium-ion battery separators such as Celgard require significant improvements, particularly in ionic conductivity (?). Combining Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with polymers is expected to create a separator membrane that enhances conductivity and mechanical properties in lithium-ion batteries. UiO-66 MOFs were synthesized using the solvothermal method at 120? and then composited with polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer membranes using the solution casting method. The UiO-66 MOFs/PEO/PVA polymer composites were made by varying the UiO-66 content from 2% to 8% (w/w) while keeping a constant LiPF6 concentration of 9% (w/w). These composites were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Subsequently, the EIS test and tensile tests assessed the performance of the composite membranes. The resulting membrane with 6% (w/w) UiO-66 MOFs exhibited a conductivity (?) of 5.60 × 10–3 S cm–1 and a tensile strength of 32.5 MPa.

Modification of Chitosan/PEG4000 dispersed with Lithium Triflate (LiCF\(_3\)SO\(_3\)) as a solid polymer electrolyte for the secondary battery

Secondary battery solid electrolytes attract researchers' attention for being one of the components of the anode and cathode separation in batteries. Currently, battery electrolytes on the market are liquid-based, which have weaknesses in their safety and are not environmentally friendly. Solid-based electrolytes can be a good choice since they excel in the safety and stability of mechanical and electrical properties; however, they still have the disadvantage of low conductivity values (~10-4 - 10-6 S/cm), thus requiring modification. The solid electrolytes modification using chitosan can be done by adding other polymers and salts as fillers and Li+ ion-making agents. This scientific paper offers an overview of the development of chitosan-based secondary battery solid electrolytes with the addition of PEG4000 polymer and LiCF3SO3. The study was conducted using the solution casting method producing solid electrolytes in the form of membranes. The addition of PEG4000 and LiCF3SO3 affected the microstructure and electrical permittivity of the polymer solid electrolyte membrane. PEG4000 as a plasticizer had no significant effect on inter- and intra-molecular bonds due to poor membrane homogeneity; meanwhile, LiCF3SO3 could increase the permittivity and ionic conductivity of the chitosan polymer solid electrolyte membrane to 3.199 x 10-7 S/cm. The chitosan polymer solid electrolyte membrane with the addition of PEG4000 and 30% LiCF3SO3 salt has an optimal value compared to other salt concentration variations. The results of this research concluded that LiCF3SO3 is evenly dispersed in the chitosan/PEG4000 solid polymer electrolyte membrane enabling it to be used as a secondary battery solid electrolyte.

Fabrication of PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films: Optical and microwave radiation shielding properties

Incorporating SiO2 nanoparticles (SNPs) into Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices can significantly enhance the optical and microwave shielding properties of nanocomposite thin films. In this study, PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposite thin films (PSNTFs) with varying concentrations of SNPs (1–10[Formula: see text]wg%) were fabricated using the solution casting method. The morphology of the films was characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing SNP sizes between 11.90[Formula: see text]nm and 16.66[Formula: see text]nm. Optical absorption, extinction coefficient and optical conductivity were studied in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum, showing a marked dependence on nanoparticle concentration. Additionally, microwave radiation shielding properties were evaluated, highlighting the potential application of these composites in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The results suggest that increasing SNP content improves optical and shielding efficiency, positioning these materials as promising candidates for advanced optoelectronic and microwave shielding applications.

Structural and linear/nonlinear optical characteristics of flexible polypyrrole/CuO polymeric composite films

The composite (PPy/CuO) films are created using the solution casting solution method by mixing the polymer polypyrrole (PPy) with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at different concentrations of CuO (4%, 6% and 8%). The XRD confirms the effective fabrication of the composite (PPy/CuO). The impact of CuO on the optical and structural characteristics was studied. The addition of CuO enhances the refractive indices ([Formula: see text] of PPy from 1.42 for pure PPy to 1.55 for PPy with 4% CuO, and further to 1.69 for PPy with 8% CuO. The dispersion energy of pure polypyrrole (PPy) is 4.55[Formula: see text]eV, which increased to 5.31[Formula: see text]eV when doped with 4% CuO. Furthermore, the increasing of CuO concentration to 6% and 8% resulted in higher dispersion energies, respectively, of 5.87 and 6.14[Formula: see text]eV. The oscillation energy [Formula: see text] decreased from 4.43[Formula: see text]eV for PPy to 3.76, 3.41 and 3.25[Formula: see text]eV for PPy/4%CuO, PPy/6%CuO and PPy/8%CuO, correspondingly. The introduction of CuO into the PPy polymer results in modifications to its optical characteristics. Additionally, there was an observed rise in the plasma frequency from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] for PPy to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] for PPy/8%CuO. The findings of this study offer empirical support for the possible use of PPy/CuO films in optical devices.

Improved Electromagnetic Interference Shielding in Lightweight Polyvinylidene Fluoride‐Carbon Nanotube Composite Films

ABSTRACTAs electronic devices become smaller and more common, the problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI) becomes more serious, requiring better shielding solutions. In this study, lightweight polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite films mixed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were developed to improve EMI shielding. A solution casting method and a thin film applicator ensured uniform thickness and flexibility in PVDF‐MWCNT films with varying MWCNT concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, and 2 wt%). Structural and surface properties were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Dielectric response, AC conductivity, and EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI‐SE) in the Ku band (12–18 GHz) were measured. The PVDF film with 2 wt% MWCNT, at a thickness of 190 ± 10 μm, showed the highest complex permittivity and a record EMI‐SE value of 53.08 dB. This high EMI‐SE is attributed to increased multiple internal reflections within the thin film, enhancing attenuation and reducing reflection losses. These polymer nanocomposites offer a promising and lightweight option for advanced EMI shielding in the growing number of electronic devices.

Noncovalent Cross‐Linked Network‐Reinforced High‐Toughness Polyvinyl Alcohol/Hyperbranched Polyester Films Obtained Through Solution Blending

ABSTRACTPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA) exhibits good water solubility, biocompatibility, and gas barrier properties. It is an important renewable and biodegradable polymeric material and is widely used in drug delivery, food packaging, tissue engineering, etc. However, its application is limited by insufficient mechanical performance. Hyperbranched polymers are a class of highly branched, structured macromolecular polymers with multiple branching sites and rich end functional groups. In this work, blend films were prepared by mixing PVA with water‐soluble hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) using the solution casting method. The results showed that the hydroxyl groups of HBPE could form a hydrogen‐bond‐based cross‐linking network with the hydroxyl groups of PVA. This, in turn, will effectively improve the mechanical properties, water absorption, thermal stability, etc. of the blend film. When the mass ratio of HBPE to PVA is 1:4, the elongation at break of the blend film was 404.23% with a tensile strength of 39.97 MPa. The prepared PVA/HBPE blend material is expected to be more widely applied in fields such as tissue engineering, packaging materials, etc.

Utilisation of nanocellulose from cassava peels in polymer electrolyte membrane fabrication

AbstractIn recent decades, lithium‐ion batteries have become the leading energy storage solution due to their rechargeability, long lifespan, high energy density and lightweight design, although the conventional liquid electrolytes used raise performance and safety concerns, particularly regarding volatility and flammability at high temperatures. This study explores the incorporation of nanocellulose (NC) derived from cassava peels into polymer electrolyte membranes based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). NC serves as a reinforcing agent, enhancing the mechanical properties of the membranes, such as tensile strength, while its natural abundance and biocompatibility offer a sustainable alternative for electrolyte materials. The membranes were prepared via the solution casting method utilising water as the solvent and subsequently characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, XRD, a tensile tester, SEM and TGA/differential thermal analysis/DSC. Incorporating NC into the PEO matrix resulted in enhanced tensile strength and reduced strain at break, while negligibly impacting the ionic conductivity of the membrane. The most effective membrane composition was achieved at a PEO to NC ratio of 80:20, with the optimum ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte being 1.54 × 10−4 S cm−1, a tensile strength of 34.87 MPa and an elongation at break of 65.6%. This research sheds light on the potential of utilising NC from cassava peels to improve the performance and safety of polymer electrolyte membranes for lithium‐ion batteries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Linear and Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of Basic Fuchsin-Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol Films for Flexible Optoelectronics

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing different levels of basic fuchsine (BF) was prepared using the solution casting method. Characterization via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy detailed changes in functional groups within the PVA/BF composites, indicates the hydrogen bonding between OH group of PVA and BF molecules. Optical investigations spanning the 190-2500 nm range demonstrated UV blocking properties in prepared PVA/BF composites (fromn 2.05 to 2.56 eV and from 4.08 to 6.32 eV). Moreover, the studies on optical band gap indicated a decrease with increased BF concentrations, reflecting altered electronic transitions within the prepared composites. The study also employed the single oscillator model provided by Wemple-DiDomenico to elucidate refractive index variations. After incorporating BF dye into the PVA polymer, the values of the dielectric constant as the frequency approaches infinity (ε∞), the dielectric constant of lattice (εL), dispersion energy (Ed), and oscillator energy (Eo) in PVA/BF composite samples showed an increase. Moreover, the nonlinear optical properties, including optical susceptibility and nonlinear refractive index were investigated and discussed. These findings underscore the versatility of PVA doped with BF for various applications including optical filters, and solar cell devices.

Bioplastic Production Utilizing Jordanian Zeolite and Kaolin

The study investigates the production of biodegradable plastic films using gelatin as a biopolymer, glycerol as a plasticizer, and natural fillers (Jordanian zeolitic tuff and kaolin) via solution casting method. Key findings demonstrate that incorporating these fillers enhances the films' mechanical properties, biodegradability, and ductility. Increased filler concentration improves film thickness, density, tensile strength (up to 4.97 MPa with kaolin), and toughness while reducing moisture content, solubility, and elongation at break. Biodegradation tests reveal significant weight loss over time, indicating the films' potential for rapid environmental breakdown. The ductility of the films decreases with increasing filler concentration, suggesting enhanced rigidity. These results highlight the potential of utilizing Jordanian natural resources to develop eco-friendly bioplastics with applications in packaging, soil additives, and other industries.