Morphology Of Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Potential application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/shellac embedded with graphene oxide/TiO2-Nps as natural packaging film

Graphene oxide (GO), TiO2-NPs, HPMC, and shellac are environmentally green polymers and nanocomposites. This work aimed to create biodegradable composite films made of HPMC/shellac, HPMC/shellac-GO, and HPMC/shellac-GO/TiO2-NPs by film casting. TiO2-HPMC/shellac-GO matrix's dispersibility and mixing ability were characterized and observed using FTIR and XRD. XRD analysis shows that the crystallinity decreased within the composites due to breaking H-bonding. Compared to HPMC/shellac, TGA/DTG demonstrated the composite films' superior thermal stability. TiO2 (0.08–0.16 %) was cast into a composite film comprising HPMC, shellac, and GO. The homogeneity of TiO2 distribution in the composite film was shown using a SEM, which was also used to display the morphology of nanocomposite films. Nanocomposite films' thickness, air permeability, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and burst strength were examined. The results demonstrated that natural films prepared by a combination of shellac/GO with HPMC enhanced the fabricating of films' properties, the tensile strength increased by 231 % (from 16 to 53 MPa) in HPMC and HPSG2 (HPMC 1.9 g/shellac 0.25 g/GO 0.125 g in 100 mL) respectively, whereas the contact angle did not change. And after addition of TiO2-NPs, there were high enhancements in HPMC films' properties, such tensile strength increased by 212 % (from 16 to 50 MPa), burst strength increased by 20.96 % (3.1 to 3.75 Kg/cm2), and the contact angle by 60.86 % (48 to 74°) in HPMC and HPSGT2 respectively. Compared to HPMC films, films exhibited the highest levels of antibacterial activity against E. coli, B. mycoides, and C. albicans. So, the composite films from HPMC/shellac/GO/TiO2-NPs are promising potential packaging materials.

Preparation of Aramid–Cellulose Nanofiber Films with Improved Mechanical and Dielectric Properties Utilizing Environmentally Friendly Hydrothermal Treatment for Electrical Insulation

Finding long-term solutions to environmental issues like resource depletion and pollution is crucial. Hence, in this research, the authors prepare nanocomposite films of sustainable materials, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and aramid nanofiber (ANF) films, using the hydrothermal method, which is an environmentally friendly approach. The effect of treatment temperature on the surface functionality, crystallinity, thermal behavior, and morphology of nanocomposite films is investigated. This analysis contributed to the conclusion that the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite films is improved due to the existence of hydrogen bonds between the nanofibers and enhanced ANF fibrillation. The tensile strength and tensile modulus increased by 123 and 24%, respectively. Furthermore, in contrast to the brittle pristine ANF and CNF films, the nanocomposite films are extremely flexible, with a total elongation that is more than 3.5 times higher. An examination of the films’ dielectric properties showed a rise in the dielectric strength of more than 55%, with a minimal dielectric loss. As a result, the ANF/CNF nanocomposite films produced by hydrothermal treatment can be efficiently used for high-strength insulating applications.

Enhanced optical properties of recycled Fe2O3 reinforced in PVDF nanocomposite thin films for energy harvesting

Due to energy crises, development of renewable energy resources is currently in demand. Having superb physical and chemical properties, optical properties of nanocomposite thin films still need to be enhanced. In the current study, recycled Iron oxide (II) Fe2O3 obtained from rust is reinforced in Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) by solution casting method and analyzed by UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy. Various parameters such as band gap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, and dielectric constant are calculated from absorption, and reflectance data. A significant decrease in direct and indirect band gap is noted. An increase in refractive index and improvement in the dielectric constant of nanocomposite thin films is observed. FTIR study confirms the enhancement in the β phase of the Fe2O3/PVDF nanocomposite thin films. Morphology of nanocomposite films is analyzed by using FESEM. Reinforced Fe2O3/PVDF nanocomposite thin films can be used for development of new generation pressure sensors and piezoelectric devices.

Blown film extrusion of PBAT/TPS/ZnO nanocomposites for shelf-life extension of meat packaging

Biodegradable polymers typically have inferior barrier properties compared to petroleum-based nonbiodegradable plastic. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles may enhance the functional properties of biodegradable packaging and extends the shelf life of packaged foods. Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blended ZnO (1–5%) nanocomposite films were developed via blown extrusion for functional active meat packaging. The nanocomposite film morphology showed agglomeration of the nanoparticles, causing poor mechanical properties. Nanovoids formed at the interface between the polymer and nanoparticles, increasing permeability. Dispersion of ZnO nanofillers modified CO and C-O ester bonding in PBAT and increased hydrogen bonding with TPS. The interaction between ZnO and polymers increased the dispersion and reduced the agglomeration of nanoparticles. The highest ZnO content at 5% resulted in a stronger interaction between ZnO and TPS due to increased amorphous starch content, which improved homogeneous dispersion within the matrices, reducing nanoparticle size. The ZnO nanocomposite films reduced lipid oxidation and delayed microbial growth, resulting in a lower total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and mold in packaged pork meat. Higher ZnO concentrations from 3% showed microbial inhibitory effects. The growth of microorganisms was controlled by residual oxygen, morphology of the films and nanoparticle characteristics. The nanocomposite films effectively extended the shelf life by more than 3 days under refrigerated conditions.

Self-Assembling Behavior of Smart Nanocomposite System: Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Confined by Stretched Porous Polyethylene Film.

The control and prediction of soft systems exhibiting self-organization behavior can be realized by different means but still remains a highlighted task. Novel advanced nanocomposite system has been designed by filling of a stretched porous polyethylene (PE) film with pore dimensions of hundreds of nanometers by chiral ferroelectric liquid crystalline (LC) compound possessing polar self-assembling behavior. Lactic acid derivative exhibiting the paraelectric orthogonal smectic A* and the ferroelectric tilted smectic C* phases over a broad temperature range is used as a self-assembling compound. The morphology of nanocomposite film has been checked by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The designed nanocomposite has been studied by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small and wide-angle X-ray scattering and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The effect of a porous PE confinement on self-assembling, structural, and dielectric behavior of the chiral LC compound has been established and discussed. While the mesomorphic and structural properties of the nanocomposite are found not to be much influenced in comparison to that of a pure LC compound, the polar properties have been toughly suppressed by the specific confinement. Nevertheless, the electro-optic switching was clearly observed under applied electric field of low frequency (210 V, 19 Hz). The dielectric spectroscopy and X-ray results reveal that the helical structure of the ferroelectric liquid crystal inside the PE matrix is completely unwound, and the molecules are aligned along stretching direction. Obtained results demonstrate possibilities of using stretched porous polyolefins as promising matrices for the design of new nanocomposites.

Furcellaran nanocomposite films: The effect of nanofillers on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of biopolymer films

Graphene oxide (GO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were added to furcellaran films (FUR). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reducing AgNO3 using a FUR matrix as the stabilising agent. The structure and surface morphology of nanocomposite films were obtained using FTIR, SEM and XRD. The molecular weights of furcellaran chains were estimated using HPSEC-MALLS-RI. Characterisation of the films was undertaken to analyse their physical, mechanical and structural properties. SEM analysis revealed that GO, MWCNTs and AgNPs were evenly distributed throughout the FUR surface. FUR + AgNP films showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis and S. aureus were the most affected with effective growth inhibition using the disc diffusion method. In the study, the effect of nanofillers on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of furcellaran films as potential materials for food packaging is presented.

Bi-functional platform for non-volatile memory and photoconductive Schottky devices based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes:Rhodamine B/silicon hybrid heterostructure

In the present work, a novel type of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs):Rhodamine B (Rh.B) nanocomposites were achieved at varying ratios (0–10 wt%). The MWCNTs:Rh.B nanocomposite films are grown on p-Si substrate using the convective self-assembly method. Multi-techniques including X-ray analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were carried out to unravel the structure morphology of nanocomposite films. The analyzed structure of the films reveals that the MWCNTs were collected to display nano-flower and nano-ropes shaped structure dependent on the additive amount of MWCNTs. The fabricated C/MWCNT:Rh.B/p-Si/Al heterostructures devices have been achieved. The cyclic electrical measurements and photoresponse performance for these devices were carried out at various frequencies (10 KHz - 1 MHz) and under different illuminations (20–80 mW/cm2). The electrical characteristics and performances of such devices are strongly dependent on their structural features. The devices exhibited multi-function platforms including resistive and capacitive windows memory, and photo-switching diode depending on the amount of MWCNTs in Rh.B. The microelectronic diode parameters for C/MWCNT3:Rh.B/p-Si/Al device at forward sweeping voltage such as rectification ratio, ideality factor and barrier height were calculated as 100, 1.47 and 0.72 eV, respectively. Whereas their values were changed to 127, 1.39 and 0.76 eV, respectively, at backward sweeping measurement attributed to the hysteresis behavior of I–V characteristic. This study recommends that MWCNT:Rh.B nanocomposite is an excellent potential candidate for non-volatile memory and photo-switching devices.

Experimental Investigation of Morphological and Electrical Characteristics of PS/MWCNT Nanocomposite Films

Electrical characteristics and morphology of nanocomposite films composed of two different polystyrene (PS) latexes impregnated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the range between 0 wt% and 20 wt% were assessed by considering photon transmission (UV-Vis) technique and electrical conductivity measurements. Emulsion polymerization technique was employed both to synthesize very fine PS particles dispersed in water and to tailor the sizes of the PS particles as 382 nm and 560 nm, respectively. PS/MWCNT nanocomposite films were obtained from the liquid form on glass substrates via drop-casting method and all they dried at 40 QUOTE C. Each dried sample was then annealed at varying temperatures between 100 QUOTE C and 250 QUOTE C for 10 min. The surface conductivity QUOTE of each annealed film at 250 QUOTE C was measured and was found to increase dramatically above a certain mass fraction of MWCNT content, QUOTE . Each set of PS/MWCNT nanocomposite film had a similar electrical percolation threshold of QUOTE =1.5 wt% as the MWCNT content and critical exponents of QUOTE were found to be 2.64 and 1.19 for 382 nm and 560 nm PS latex systems, respectively.

Effect of sepiolite nanoparticles on the properties of novel poly(sulfone ether imide)

A new poly(sulfone ether imide) was prepared, and related nanocomposites were produced through introduction of sepiolite nanoparticles into the matrix of polymer. Inherent viscosity, thermal and mechanical features of pristine poly(sulfone ether imide), and nanocomposite samples were evaluated and compared. The crystallinity was also investigated. Dispersion and distribution behaviors of nanocomposite samples and cross‐sectional morphology of nanocomposite films were also studied. Also, the optimized amounts of sepiolite nanoparticles in the matrix of polymer were determined by microscopic techniques (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope). By introduction of 3 wt% of sepiolite, superior thermal and mechanical properties were observed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis and computational studies of new metallo-phthalocyanines bearing dibenzoxanthenes and evaluation of their optical properties in solution and solid PMMA/ZnPc/Al nanocomposite films

New thermally stable metallo-phthalocyanines bearing dibenzoxanthenes as highly organo-solubilizing aromatic hydrocarbon substituents were successfully prepared by cyclotetramerization of corresponding phthalonitriles with anhydrous metal salts [Zn(CH$_{3}$COO)$_{2}$ and NiCl$_{2}$] in the presence of a catalytic amount of DBU in 2-(dimethylamino) ethanol. All of these phthalocyanines are soluble in some organic solvents such as DMF, DMSO, THF, CH$_{2}$Cl$_{2}$, and CHCl$_{3}$. Then we successfully prepared the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ZnPc/Al nanocomposite films by incorporating Al nanoparticles into a transparent PMMA/ZnPc matrix. The structure and morphology of nanocomposite films were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The optical absorption spectra of PMMA/ZnPc/Al nanocomposite films showed red shifting in the Q-band in the polymeric matrix. The geometrical structure of two phthalocyanines was investigated at the RHF/3-21G* computational level.

Influence of g-C3N4Nanosheets on Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties of Biopolymer Electrolyte Nanocomposite Films: A Novel Investigation

A series of sodium alginate (SA) nanocomposite films with different loading levels of graphitic-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were fabricated via the casting technique. The structure and morphology of nanocomposite films were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis results suggested that thermal stability of all the nanocomposite films was enhanced significantly, including initial thermal degradation temperature increased by 29.1 °C and half thermal degradation temperature improved by 118.2 °C. Mechanical properties characterized by tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis measurements were also reinforced remarkably. With addition of 6.0 wt % g-C3N4, the tensile strength of SA nanocomposite films was dramatically enhanced by 103%, while the Young's modulus remarkably increased from 60 to 3540 MPa. Moreover, the storage modulus significantly improved by 34.5% was observed at loadings as low as 2.0 wt %. These enhancements were further investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and real time Fourier transform infrared spectra. A new perspective of balance was proposed to explain the improvement of those properties for the first time. At lower than 1.0 wt % loading, most of the g-C3N4 nanosheets were discrete in the SA matrix, resulting in improved thermal stability and mechanical properties; above 1.0 wt % and below 6.0 wt % content, the aggregation was present in SA host coupled with insufficient hydrogen bondings limiting the barrier for heat and leading to the earlier degradation and poor dispersion; at 6.0 wt % addition, the favorable balance was established with enhanced thermal and mechanical performances. However, the balance point of 2.0 wt % from dynamic mechanical analysis was due to combination of temperature and agglomeration. The work may contribute to a potential research approach for other nanocomposites.

The effects of surface roughness on low haze ultrathin nanocomposite films

Control of surface roughness in optical applications can have a large impact on haze. This work compares surface roughness and haze for self-assembled experimental surface structures as well as simulated surface structures for ultrathin nanocomposite films. Ultrathin nanocomposite films were synthesized from an acrylate monomer as the continuous phase with monodisperse or bidisperse mixtures of silica nanoparticles as the dispersed phase. An in-house spin coating deposition technique was used to make thin nanocomposite films on hydrophilic (glass) and hydrophobic (polycarbonate) substrates. Manipulating the size ratios of the silica nanoparticle mixtures generated multimodal height distributions, varied the average surface roughness (σ) and changed lateral height–height correlations (a). For the simulated surfaces, roughness was estimated from their morphologies, and haze was calculated using simplified Rayleigh scattering theory. Experimental data for haze and morphologies of nanocomposite films corresponded well to these properties for simulated tipped pyramid surfaces. A correlation based on simple Rayleigh scattering theory described our experimental data well, but the exponent on the parameter, σ/λ (λ is the wavelength of incident light), does not have the expected value of 2. A scalar scattering model and a prior Monte Carlo simulation estimated haze values similar to those of our experimental samples.

Integrated PLGA–Ag nanocomposite systems to control the degradation rate and antibacterial properties

ABSTRACTBiodegradable polymer based nanocomposite materials have attracted much attention since they can be used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In order to have highly integrated PLGA nanocomposite materials, silver colloidal nanoparticles were prepared in chloroform starting from silver nitrate and using polyvinylpyrrolidone as reduction and capping agent. TEM and AFM imaging give information on the size distribution of the silver nucleus (7.0 nm) and the capping shell (8.2–10.7 nm). PLGA–Ag nanocomposites were prepared upon addition of 1 or 3% wt of silver nanoparticles to the PLGA/chloroform suspension. The effect of silver loading on polymer degradation was studied following the mass loss and the morphology of nanocomposite films at different degradation stages. The concentrations of Ag+, which is released during nanocomposite degradation, were monitored and analyzed through the diffusion model, to have insight on the degradation kinetics. The release rate, and likely the degradation rate, was reduced at higher silver loading. Bacterial growth tests indicated that the cell growth is inhibited in the presence of PLGA–Ag nanocomposites and the efficiency is correlated to Ag+ release. Thus, controlling the nanoparticle loading, a tunable degradation and antibacterial action can be designed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1185‐1193, 2013

Morphology and chemical properties of silver-triblock copolymer nanocomposite thin films

The triblock copolymer PEO–PPO–PEO is thermoresponsive and have demonstrated excellent properties to act as a reducing as well as capping agent for synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Effect of reaction temperature in growth, morphology and chemical properties of self-assembled structures of silver PEO–PPO–PEO nanocomposites on silicon substrates is described here. The polymer–metal composites are deposited on hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicon substrates through adsorption from solution at different temperatures. Morphologies of the nanocomposite films observed by SEM are strongly dependent on reaction temperature as well as on philicity/phobicity of silicon substrates. Detailed investigations of the chemical properties of nanocomposite materials are performed using XPS and NEXAFS. At lower reaction temperatures, mainly thermoresponsive behavior of the copolymer controls nanocomposite formation and their organization on the substrates. Whereas at higher reaction temperatures, chemical nature of the copolymer that directly take part in the reaction is changed drastically and alters the nanocomposite formation process as well as the nature of self-assembly. The resemblance in spectroscopic data of this modified/degraded copolymer with that of fatty acid molecules indicate formation of fatty acid-like molecules at higher temperature.

Effect of organoclay content and molecular weight on cellulose acetate nanocomposites properties

Nanocomposites based on cellulose acetate (CA), a commercial organoclay (Cloisite30B) and triethyl citrate (TEC) were obtained using a solution casting method. Different nanocomposites were prepared according to different organoclay contents (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 wt.%) and molecular weight of cellulose acetate (Mn 30,000 and 50,000). The properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated by means of opacity index, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and elongation at break), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measurements. All obtained nanocomposites showed the intercalation of polymer inside the clay structure which was slightly favored for nanocomposites with CA 30,000. Important changes on the opacity index, mechanical properties, glass transition and melting temperatures, crystalline fraction, oxygen permeability and fracture morphology of nanocomposite films were observed according to the increase of organoclay content. On the other hand, intercalation level and oxygen permeability showed some differences with the molecular weight of cellulose acetate.

Morphology and Electronic Properties of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic System: Ag Nanoparticles Embedded into CuPc Matrix

Materials with a high on-off resistance ratio could become the basis for resistive random-access memory (RRAM). It is assumed that one of RRAM types can be based on hybrid organic-inorganic systems, while particular attention is focused on hybrid systems consisting of metal nanoparticles (NP) embedded in organic matrix (OM). In this investigation we created and studied the hybrid organic-inorganic systems made of metal (Ag) nanoparticles embedded in organic semiconductor material CuPc. The LEED patterns and NEXAFS data demonstrate that the CuPc films deposited on Au(001) substrate are highly ordered and molecular planes lie parallel to the gold surface. The metal atoms were deposited on the outer surface of the organic molecular film and self-assembled into nanoparticles due to surface and bulk diffusion. The properties of nano-composite materials seem to be significantly dependent on the microstructure, i.e. the size, concentration, bulk- and size-distribution of nanoparticles; therefore we have studied by high resolution transmission electron microscopy the evolution of morphology of nano-composite films as a function of nominal metal deposition. The filled and empty electronic states of the hybrid organic-inorganic systems, energy level alignment at interfaces formed between metal nanoparticles and the organic semiconductor CuPc as well as the chemical interaction at the NP/OM interface were studied by UPS, XPS and NEXAFS methods.

Morphology and Properties of Nylon 6 Blown Films Reinforced with Different Weight Percentage of Nanoclay Additives

This article presents the effect of increasing weight percentage natural nanoclay additives on the structure, morphology and mechanical properties of nylon-6-blown films. Combination of X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and microscopy were used to determine nanocomposite film morphology. The nanoclay additives in the films act as nucleating agent facilitatesγ-crystalline forms and results in fine grained spherulite with smaller lamellar size. Increase in tensile, burst, and tear strength is observed for films with up to 5% clay loading. Even though microscale property like tensile and tear strength drops at higher add on levels, near-surface nanoscale hardness and toughness of the film keep on increasing. There is a direct correlation between nanoclay additive add on level and increase in surface energy and wetting behavior of films.

Development of the scratch resistance on acrylic sheet with basic colloidal silica (SiO2)—methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) nanocomposite films by sol–gel technique

AbstractThe formation of scratch‐resistant coating film prepared from colloidal silica and a polysiloxane matrix was investigated. Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) was hydrolysed and mixed with silica sol (SiO2) at various compositions to form the hybrid hard‐coating nanocomposite film. The hydrolysed MTMS (polysiloxane) acts as the polymeric binder that is covalently linked to the colloidal silica surface and provides adhesion for the scratch resistant coating film to the substrate. The ratio between the polymeric matrix and the SiO2 nanoparticles was found to play a major role in controlling the coating film appearance and its resistance to scratching. At a SiO2 content < 30 wt.%, the agglomeration of the hydrolysed polysiloxane was observed and caused the opacity of the coating film. At a SiO2 content >70 wt.%, there was not enough polysiloxane to act as a binder for the SiO2, therefore a shrinkage upon solidification of the coating film caused cracking within the nanocomposite film. The optimum ratio was found to be at 40 wt.% ≤SiO2 ≤60 wt.%, where the films had a transparent, crack free hard coating, with excellent scratch resistance, good adhesion and very good environmental resistance. The nanoindentation revealed that the nanocomposite film, at the optimum loading, possessed a higher strength with a higher SiO2 loading. Film properties, including hardness, scratch resistance, adhesion and environmental resistance were also examined. The morphology of nanocomposite films was identified by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering

Flame retardancy and thermal properties of epoxy acrylate resin/alpha-zirconium phosphate nanocomposites used for UV-curing flame retardant films

This paper reported the UV-curing flame retardant film, which consisted of epoxy acrylate resin (EA) used as an oligomer, tri(acryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (TAEP) and triglycidyl isocyanurate acrylate (TGICA) used as flame retardant (FR). The flame retardancy and thermal properties of films were reinforced by using alpha-zirconium phosphate (α-Zr (HPO 4) 2H 2O, α-ZrP). The morphology of nanocomposite film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the organophilic α-ZrP (OZrP) layers were dispersed well in epoxy acrylate resin. Microscale Combustion Calorimeter (MCC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TGA-IR) were used to characterize the flame retardant property and thermal stability. It was found that the incorporation of TAEP and TGICA can reduce the flammability of EA. Moreover, further reductions were observed due to the addition of OZrP. The char residue for systems with or without OZrP was also explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Deposition of Ag nanostructures on TiO 2 thin films by RF magnetron sputtering

Ag nanostructures on TiO 2 films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering under variable deposition parameters, such as DC potential, RF-power and total pressure. The concentration, shape, and distribution of the deposited nanostructures and continuous Ag films on thin films of TiO 2 can be tailored by careful variation of the deposition parameters. Controllable clusterlike, islandlike and film Ag structures on TiO 2 film were obtained, respectively. DC potential was found as an appropriate parameter to tailor the change of Ag nanostructure and the overall Ag amount. The compositions, nanostructures and morphologies of nanocomposite films appreciably influence the optical response.