Polymer Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Gamma-ray shielding effectiveness, optical, mechanical, dielectric properties of nanofiller-reinforced PVA/PVP polymeric blend nanocomposites

The aqueous solution cast method was used to create the biodegradable polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films from a blend of poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) PVP (70/30 wt %) and Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). These PNC films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. XRD and FTIR results indicate that Fe+ 3 NPs interact with the host polymer. Optical, electrical, mechanical, and radiation shielding measurements were performed on the PNC films. From the optical measurements, the indirect optical band gap drops from 4.86 eV for the pure blend to 4.26 eV at the greatest NPs concentration. Optical limiting characterization shows that the output power of He-Ne and solid-state green laser beams is reduced from 22.98 to 3.6 mW and 6.59 to 1.4 mW, respectively, when the Fe2O3 NPs content in the blend matrix is increased to 6 wt %. The NGCal software was utilized to calculate nuclear radiation shielding properties. The findings demonstrated that when the concentration of Fe2O3 rose, the PNC films half-value layer and mean free path decreased. Mechanical measurements demonstrate that increasing the Fe2O3 content significantly improves nanocomposite films’ yield and tensile strength. Tensile strength is measured at 27.03 MPa for the composite film containing 6 wt % Fe2O3, which is significantly higher than the 8.66 MPa of the pure (PVA-PVP) film. Compared to the other samples under examination, the 6 wt % Fe2O3 sample yielded the best results (based on the analyzed optical, electrical, mechanical, and radiation shielding properties).

Novel, eco-friendly α-tocopherol/layered double hydroxides/poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate)-based active packaging materials with enhanced antimicrobial, barrier and antioxidant activities

Among various climate actions taken as a response to environmental concerns, important and highly influential are ones related to the packaging industry being still one of the largest plastic sectors responsible for the majority of post-consumer wastes. Therefore, in this manuscript, for the first time assessment of the potential application of biodegradable bacterially derived poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) (P(3HO)) doped with functional 2D nanoparticles as a more sustainable active packaging material has been investigated. In particular, P(3HO) combined with two types of layered double hydroxide (LDHs) modified with α-tocopherol (type of vitamin E) was applied for the fabrication of polymeric nanocomposite films and a comprehensive investigation of their structure and relevant properties (mechanical, barrier, bactericidal, and antioxidative) was performed. Permeation study revealed that P(3HO)-based films with 4 wt% tocopherol-modified nanoparticles meet the barrier requirements for storing fruits and vegetables, whereas antibacterial assay indicated inhibited growth of Gram-positive bacteria (particularly S. Aureus). Monitoring of polyphenols (PPH) content in strawberries after 6 days of storage at room conditions showed a slightly higher level of PPH with reference to fresh fruits, which indicates the preserved freshness of strawberries kept in P(3HO) containing 4 wt% Zn-based LDHs modified with tocopherol contrary to fruits kept in commercial polypropylene packaging which led to significant drop in PPH content. Thus, the application-focused experiments indicated that investigated P(3HO)-based nanocomposites are promising candidates for more sustainable active packaging that may extend the shelf-life of fruits and protect consumers from food-borne pathogenic bacteria.

Investigation the synthesis, structural characteristics and optical properties of methylcellulose/TiO2 polymeric nanocomposite films for optoelectronic devices

Investigation the synthesis, structural characteristics and optical properties of methylcellulose/TiO₂ polymeric nanocomposite films for optoelectronic devices

Enhanced Dielectric, Thermal, Energy Storage, Quality Factor, Impedance, and Conductivity Properties of Novel PVDF/PAN/ZrO2 Polymer Nanocomposites for Flexible Electronics Applications

ABSTRACTIn this study, novel polymer nanocomposite films based on polyvinylidene fluoride/polyacrylonitrile/zirconium dioxide (PVDF/PAN/ZrO2) were prepared using a solution casting technique. The structural modifications and morphological properties were analyzed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). The obtained results verified the filler‐polymer interactions and uniform dispersion of the ZrO2 filler in the host polymers (PVDF and PAN). Thermal stability of up to 46% leftover residue for 30% ZrO2 nano‐filler loading in the blend polymer nanocomposite was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant and dielectric loss values and impedance, Q‐factor, and AC conductivity were analyzed using an impedance analyzer. The decrement in impedance with increasing nano‐filler content with improved dielectric, thermal, Q‐factor, energy density and conductivity properties signifies the prepared novel PVDF/PAN/ZrO2 polymer nanocomposite as an effective material for flexible electronics applications.

Preparation, structural characterizations and surface studies of irradiated flexible PPy/Fe2O3/PET polymer nanocomposite films for dielectric applications

Preparation, structural characterizations and surface studies of irradiated flexible PPy/Fe2O3/PET polymer nanocomposite films for dielectric applications

Novel Orange-Emitting YPO4:Sm3+/Polymer Nanocomposite Phosphor Films for LED Applications.

A polymer based nanocomposite (NC) material embedded with highly luminescent nanopowders could be promising for replacing traditional luminescent materials from a technological pointof view.In this study, we have successfully obtained YPO4: Sm3+ /Polymer nanocomposite phosphor films by embedding YPO4: Sm3+ luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) for orange-light emitting diode (LED) applications. These luminescent NPs were synthesized using the sol gel method in different polymer matrices i.e. polystyrene (PS) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by using direct solution mixing. The structural, morphological, and photoluminescence characteristics of the nano-phosphors and resulting NC films were examined and discussed. The emission spectra of YPO4: Sm3+ (x at.%) nano-phosphors under near-UV excitation at 404nm were dominated by orange emission attributed to 6H5/2 4F7/2 (601nm) luminescence of Sm3+ ions. The optimum doping concentration of activator Sm3+ in YPO4 matrix was found to be 5 at.%. When the doping concentration of Sm3+ was higher than 5 at.%, concentration quenching occurred. The incorporation of YPO4: Sm3+ NPs into polymer matrices indicated that the NCs retained the original luminescence properties of the luminescent NPs, although a decrease in their emission intensity was observed for the NC films, attributable to a polymer matrix effect, which dominated in PS matrix. The fluorescence decay times of NPs in the NC films were measured and compared to those of proper YPO4: Sm3+ nano-phosphors. A decrease in decay time in NC film was observed due the effective refractive index effect. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) of PMMA NC film was studied in 100-400K range, investigating the thermal stability of the film. Additionally, CIE coordinates confirmed the red-orange light emission of the prepared phosphors and NC films. The obtained results indicate that the synthesized polymer-nanophosphor NC films are promising candidates for orange-LED applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Films Based on PEO/ AgNPs-PVP: Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Properties

Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Films Based on PEO/ AgNPs-PVP: Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Properties

Structural Characteristics and Dielectric Properties of Deposited Silver Nanoparticles with Polypyrrole on PET Films for Dielectric Devices

Herein, (PPy-Ag)/PET composites, consisting of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polypyrrole (PPy) coated on PET, were fabricated by the polymerization process and then the films were characterized by SEM and XRD techniques. The addition of PPy-Ag on the dielectric properties of PET were determined. The XRD proved the successful synthesis of the (PPy-Ag)/PET samples. The SEM results demonstrate the effect of Ag modified the characteristics of the composite, which confirmed the interaction of (PPy-Ag)/PET. The dielectric properties of the films in frequency of 50 Hz to 5.6 MHz were measured. The density energy was enhanced from 9.1 × 10−5 for PET to 5480 × 10−5 J m−3 for (PPy-Ag)/PET. Moreover, the relaxation time τr decreased from 1.7 × 10−5 for PET to 2.8 × 109 sec for (PPy-Ag)/PET. The obtained data confirm the incorporation of PPy-Ag by PET. This research has led to the development of novel physico-chemical properties in flexible polymeric nanocomposite films, which could be used in high-performance energy storage devices.

Synergistic effects on dielectric and complex impedance properties in Ti3AlC2 MAX phase‐infused PVDF‐HFP/PMMA nanocomposites

AbstractA simple solution casting technique was used to formulate films of polyvinylidenefluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, and Ti3AlC2 MAX phase polymer nanocomposites (PPT) with different filler content. The functional groups present in the PPT films were studied using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the nature of crystallinity was observed using X‐ray diffraction technique. The morphology of the films was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The thermal analysis was done using the thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetry analysis. The tensile behavior of the prepared films was studied from the stress‐strain graphs. The ultraviolet–visible spectra revealed their optical characteristics. The dielectric parameters of the polymer blend and nanocomposite films like dielectric constant, loss tangent, AC conductivity, and complex impedance spectroscopy with corresponding equivalent circuits were studied. A comparative study of the above parameters was done for both the polymer blend and nanocomposites to find out the advancement in the properties of the prepared nanocomposite compared with the polymer blend. The nanocomposite film having 3 wt% of Ti3AlC2 MAX phase filler loading exhibited the best properties among all the nanocomposites. The enhanced dielectric properties of the nanocomposites with mechanical and thermal resistance can be used for real‐time efficient energy storage applications.

PVA/CMC/PEG blended polymer loaded with ZnCo1.9Al0.1O4/carbon nanoparticles/PANi as a promising films for UV radiation shielding

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been employed as polymeric matrices for the synthesis of polymeric nanocomposite films that incorporate ZnCo1.9Al0.1O4, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and polyaniline (PANI) as fillers. X-ray diffraction technique was utilized to examine the structure of ZnCo1.9Al0.1O4 filler and the formed PVA/CMC/PEG/ZnCo1.9Al0.1O4/CNPs/x wt % PANi blends. The morphology of the doped blend was explored using the scanning electron microscopy technique. The increases in absorbance, especially in the UV spectrum, demonstrate the potential of these blends in UV-blocking and UV-filtering applications. The minimum direct and direct optical energy gaps are 5.62 and 4.77 eV obtained as the quantity of PANi became 0.3 wt %. The highest refractive index values (n = 1.66 at 600 nm) were acquired as the blend was doped with 0.4 wt % PANi. The impact of different fillers on the linear and nonlinear optical parameters was explored. The inclusion of ZnCo1.9Al0.1O4/CNPs/x wt % PANi resulted in an improvement in PVA/CMC/PEG blended polymer's optical conductivity. The FL intensities of the loaded blends are comparatively lower than those of the undoped blend. The values of the dielectric constants of doped blends with x = 0 or 0.4 are notably higher than those of other blends. Doped blend with x = 0.2 exhibited the highest energy density value (9 × 10−3 J/m3 at 1 kHz). The doped blend with x = 0.4 has the highest ac conductivity (1.53 × 10−8 Sm−1 at 1 kHz). The influence of doping on the relaxation time and capacitance behavior of the host blend was inspected. These outcomes suggest the opportunity of employing the created nanocomposites in capacitive energy storage and optoelectronic devices.

Antibacterial composite films of oxidized alginate-chitosan-ZnO anchored Cu nanoparticles for the degradation of organic pollutants

The growing population and urbanization have adversely affected the environment including water. The waste water from industries has affected not only human but also animals. The availability of clean water is one of the foremost needs for living organism. This makes very urgent to find reliable solutions for cleaning waste water. These days catalysis is one the best solutions to remove and degrade organic pollutants. In this work, porous composite polymer films have been designed through facile method which were employed to stabilize zero-valent metal nanoparticles (NPs). The sustainable, environmentally friendly polymer matrix with attached metal NPs was applied for the effective catalytic degradation of both phenolic compounds and organic dyes. The different composite films consist of ZnO NPs embedded in an Oxidized Alginate-Chitosan (OAlg-CS) biomatrix named as OAlg-CS/ZnO with various percentages of ZnO as a support for metallic Cu NPs. The ZnO NPs have been incorporated into OAlg-CS polymer with 10, 15, and 20 wt% and are designated as OAlg-CS/ZnO-10, OAlg-CS/ZnO-15, OAlg-CS/ZnO-20. Various analytical techniques were utilized to investigate the shape, morphology, elemental composition, functional groups and stability of the composite films. All these polymer nanocomposite films were then evaluated for removal of model organic pollutants comprising p-nitrophenol (4-NP), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO). The Kapp value for 4-NP was 2.19 × 10−1 min−1, 4.68 × 10−1 min−1 for MO and 8.99× 10−1 min−1 for MB. The experimental results demonstrated that OAlg-CS/ZnO-20 films show the highest catalytic activity as compared to OAlg-CS/ZnO, OAlg-CS/ZnO-10, and OAlg-CS/ZnO-15. The order of rate constants for nitrophenol and dyes using OAlg-CS/ZnO-20 was found to be MB ˃ MO ˃ 4-NP, showing the selectivity of these composite films. The prepared composite films were also investigated for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and all the films exhibited good anti-bacterial activity, with OAlg-CS/ZnO-20 showed the highest anti-bacterial activity.

Influence of nature melanin on the structural, linear/nonlinear optical properties and electrical conduction mechanism of PVA/CMC/PPy blended polymers for optoelectronic applications

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) have been used as polymeric matrices to create polymeric nanocomposite films that contain polypyrrole (PPY) and melanin as fillers. The structure of the PVA/CMC/PPy/x wt % melanin blends was analyzed using the X-ray diffraction technique. The scanning electron microscopy technique was used to investigate the morphologies of the blends. The highest absorbance and reflectance spectra were observed when the melanin content reached 0.25 and 0.2 % wt %, respectively. The smallest direct and indirect optical band gaps are (4.91, 4.44) eV and (4.22, 3.79, 2.34) eV, respectively, achieved when the melanin content was 0.25 wt%. The blend doped with 0.15 wt% PANi yielded the highest refractive index values (1.396 at λ = 600 nm). The optical dielectric constant values of the blends exhibited irregular improvement when the PVA/CMC/PPy blended polymer was filled with varying quantities of melanin. The blend doped with 0.15 wt% melanin exhibits the highest optical conductivity values in the visible range. The blend of PVA/CMC/PPy with a melanin concentration of 0.15 or 0.2 wt% demonstrated the highest nonlinear optical parameters. The blend of PVA/CMC/PPy with a melanin concentration of 0.15 or 0.2 wt% demonstrated the highest nonlinear optical parameter. Based on the observed behavior of the I-V characteristic, the possibility of ohmic conduct ions or space charge limited conduct ions is ruled out in all blends. The charge transport mechanisms that take place in different blends under varying temperatures were examined. These outcomes suggest the opportunity of employing the created blended polymer in capacitive energy storage, optoelectronic devices and photocatalytic application.

Starch-chitosan-Taro mucilage nanocomposite active food packaging film doped with zinc oxide nanoparticles – Fabrication, mechanical properties, anti-bacterial activity and eco toxicity assessment

In this research, a novel active food packaging material was developed by blending starch, chitosan, and plant-based mucilage with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The polymeric nanocomposite film, created by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles into the mixture using a straightforward approach, was analyzed for its structural and functional attributes using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA/DSC. These analyses revealed a robust interaction between the polymers' functional groups and the nanoparticles, forming a stable film. The film's mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young's modulus, were high. It also showed reduced wettability and water solubility, enhancing water resistance. The biodegradability rate was 100 %. Antibacterial tests against Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. showed significant inhibition zones of 26 mm and 30 mm, respectively, demonstrating strong antibacterial effectiveness. The film's non-target toxicity was assessed through phytotoxicity experiments on Vigna angularis and soil nutrient evaluations, with no negative impact on plant growth or soil health observed. These results indicate that this nanocomposite is a safe, biocompatible option for food packaging.

Influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the structural and photocatalytic properties of three-dimensional PVA/g-C3N4 polymer films

This study introduces a novel polymer nanocomposite film of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and zirconia (ZrO2), created via solution casting for effective water remediation of organic dyes. The film shows significant potential for enhancing pollutant removal efficiency and offering a sustainable solution for water reuse. Comprehensive characterization using FTIR, XRD, UV–vis, TGA, and FESEM-EDX indicated strong interfacial interactions among PVA, ZrO2, and g-C3N4. XPS and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed a reduction in the optical energy gap from 4.8 to 3.95 eV, enhancing photocatalytic activity. SEM confirmed uniform dispersion of ZrO2 and g-C3N4 within the PVA matrix. Kinetic studies of methylene blue (MB) degradation under solar irradiation at neutral pH showed rate constants (k) of 0.0032 min−1, 0.0094 min−1, 0.0383 min−1, and 0.0816 min−1 for PVA, PVA/(0.003)ZrO2/g-C3N4, PVA/(0.007)ZrO2/g-C3N4, and PVA/(0.01)ZrO2/g-C3N4, respectively. The corresponding half-life times (t1/2) were 216.6 min, 73.7 min, 18.1 min, and 8.5 min, with photodegradation efficiencies of 10 %, 75.2 %, 90 %, and 95 %. This recyclable nanocomposite polymer, PVA/ZrO2/g-C3N4, shows promise for effective decontamination of organic pollutants in water, presenting an innovative approach for advanced remediation and secure wastewater recycling.This work is crucial for society as it contributes to solving the global challenge of water pollution, ensuring access to clean and safe water.

Facile design of a low-cost laser CUT-OFF filter with PMMA polymer nanocomposite doped with Mg0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4: structural, optical, and dielectric properties

This study employed the sol gel auto-combustion approach to synthesize Mg0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Additionally, the casting method was used to fabricate Mg0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4/PMMA nanocomposite polymer films. The structural properties were analyzed by the utilization of x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The UV-visible spectrophotometer examination was used to evaluate the optical properties of the produced nanocomposite films, such as absorbance, transmittance, indirect energy band gap, Urbach energy, excitation coefficient, and refractive index. Two indirect optical energy gaps are calculated, whereas they decreased from 4.56 eV to 4.33 eV, and from 4.04 eV to 3.01 eV, while the Urbach energy increased from 0.304 eV to 0.524 eV as the nanofillers increased from 0 to 4 wt%. An investigation was conducted to examine the impact of nanoparticle doping on the dielectric constant, electric modulus, and ac conductivity. The Mg0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4/PMMA nanocomposite films demonstrate higher permittivity and ac conductivity and a lower dissipation factor and electric modulus compared to pure PMMA. The dielectric permittivity (ε′) increased from 2.76 to 3.43 at a constant frequency 100 Hz up to 2 wt.% of Mg0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 then decreased to 2.41 while the dissipation factor tan(δ) decreased from 0.1 to 0.046 at the same frequency. The nanocomposite films are well-suited for utilization in CUT-OFF selective laser filters, solar cells, energy storage devices, and other applications in related industries.

Doped carbon dots reinforced flexible nanocomposite active polymer film for antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Utilizing nanoparticles in packaging materials has proven to be an effective method for enhancing the longevity and security of food products. Carbon dots (CDs) have a wide variety of potential applications in food packaging. A flexible film made of thermoplastic chitosan (TPC) and heteroatom-doped CDs has been created using a wet chemical blending technique. These CDs reinforced TPC based hybrid films exhibit flexibility, antioxidant properties, biodegradability, and resistance to UV radiation. The mechanical strength of the films was assessed through uniaxial tensile testing, while their low-temperature flexibility was evaluated by measuring the sub-ambient (∼-30°C) glass transition temperature (Tg). Additionally, the presence of CDs directly influences the permeability of oxygen and moisture, resulting in a reduction in comparison to neat chitosan films, a vital characteristic for packaging materials. Over a span of three weeks, the TPC-based hybrid films demonstrated a progressive weight loss (∼75 %), indicating their biodegradability. Furthermore, these films have shown promise as antibacterial and antioxidant materials. The durability of the films and the absence of chemical release from the embedded CDs within the TPC matrices were also verified, underscoring their considerable potential as antibacterial, biodegradable, and antioxidant packaging materials within the food industry.

Enhanced structural, optical, dielectric, and electrical properties in polymer nanocomposite films via loading AgNO3 NPs for emerging optical and electrical applications

Enhanced structural, optical, dielectric, and electrical properties in polymer nanocomposite films via loading AgNO3 NPs for emerging optical and electrical applications

Optical, thermal, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/ZnMn2O4 nanocomposites films for various optical devices and food packaging applications

This work involves preparing zinc manganite nanoparticles (ZnMn2O4 NPs) using the Sol-gel method. Polymer nanocomposites of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Sodium alginate (NaAlg)- ZnMn2O4 NPs were created using the solution casting technique. The polymer nanocomposites films were made with varying weight percentages of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles. With the addition of nanofiller, the reduced direct and indirect energy band gap values and increased Urbach energy values were discovered in the UV–Vis data. XRD data showed a reduction in crystallinity degree with dopant. ZnMn2O4 NPs had a strong interaction with PVA/NaAlg blend, as confirmed by FTIR. The addition of ZnMn2O4 NPs led to improved thermal stability of the polymer nanocomposites films. Additionally, the nanocomposites films' mechanical characteristics were examined. The loading of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles has been associated with an increasing trend in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, including its toughness, Young's modulus, Tensile strength (Ts), and elongation. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites against fungus and bacteria was studied. Additionally, PVA/NaAlg-ZnMn2O4 nanocomposites films had good antibacterial characteristics against environmental microorganisms such as Gram-positive (G+) S. aureus and Gram-negative(G−) E. coli bacteria as well as fungi C. albicans and A. niger. It was observed that the biodegradability of the nanocomposite films was lower compared to the pure PVA/NaAlg film. Compared to pure film, the water solubility was decreased upon the addition of ZnMn2O4 NPs. After ZnMn2O4 was added to the pure blend, the WVTR decreased. The produced polymer nanocomposites films appear to be a promising material for food packing, according to these results.

New polymeric nanocomposite thin films for transparent optoelectronics: Impact of In(acac)3 on the structural, optical and photoelectrical characteristics of PVA films

Concerning the rapid progress in elastic and transparent optoelectronics, the need for cost-effective materials for transparent optoelectronic devices has become a mainstream research trend. Therefore, this report aimed to explore the modifications of the PVA characteristics due to In(acac)3 doping. New PVA:In(acac)3 nanocomposite thin films were fabricated using a cost-effective and facile spin-coating technique with varying the In(acac)3 loading concentration. The structural and molecular feature variations of PVA have been tracked using XRD and FTIR techniques, respectively. Furthermore, by varying In(acac)3′s concentration, the fabricated films' linear/nonlinear optical properties have been investigated symmetrically using the UV–visible-NIR spectrophotometric technique. The measured transmittance spectra of the prepared films showed the tunability of the energetic position of the fundamental edge while conserving the high transparency. The energy gap and Urbach energy of the prepared thin films have been calculated as a function of doping concentration. The nonlinear refractive index and optical susceptibilities were estimated for all the fabricated films. On the other hand, the photodetection response of the fabricated Schottky barrier devices was tested. The fabricated devices showed pronounced UV response, where the photocurrent density was significantly enhanced under UV illumination up to 0.1 mA/cm2 for the 20 wt.% In(acac)3 doped films. The photodetection performance of the manufactured nanocomposite thin films under repeatable On/Off switching cycles was tested. The optimum doping concertation of In(acac)3 was determined in terms of the analyzed optical and photodetection characteristics to be 20 wt.%. The obtained results support the careful reconsideration of the possibility of exploiting some cheap polymers as important components in advanced optoelectronic applications.

Fabrication, surface characterization and effect of oxygen irradiation on polymeric nanocomposite films

This study addressed the preparation of nanocomposites consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and titanium oxide (TiO2) for utilization in optoelectronics technologies. PVA/10%TiO2 nanocomposite samples with a mean thickness of 0.1[Formula: see text]mm were created using the solution casting method. The PVA/TiO2 films are irradiated with oxygen fluences of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions/cm2. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR methodologies were employed to investigate the impact of ion bombardment on the structural characteristics and functional groups of PVA/TiO2 substrates. Diffraction peaks are 20.1° for PVA and 25.4° for TiO2, indicating the successful PVA/TiO2 nanocomposite construction. The absorbance (A) of unirradiated and irradiated samples was measured using UV–Vis spectroscopy within a wavelength range of 200–1100[Formula: see text]nm. Band gaps ([Formula: see text]) were calculated using Tauc’s formula for PVA/TiO2 films, exhibiting a decrease from 4.56[Formula: see text]eV for unirradiated PVA/TiO2 film to 4.16, 3.95 and 3.88[Formula: see text]eV at ion fluences of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions/cm2, respectively. Furthermore, the Ubrach tail has a rise of 1.23[Formula: see text]eV for unirradiated PVA/TiO2 to 1.28[Formula: see text]eV, 1.4[Formula: see text]eV and 1.77[Formula: see text]eV for irradiated films with ion fluences of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions/cm2, respectively. Additionally, following ion irradiation, the PVA/TiO2 absorption edge [Formula: see text], which was 3.56[Formula: see text]eV, decreased to 3.48, 3.37 and 3.23[Formula: see text]eV, with increasing ion beam fluences. This study demonstrated that the optical behaviors of the PVA/TiO2 films were altered under bombardment, suggesting their potential applicability in optical devices.