Polymer Nanocomposite Films Research Articles

Effect of CdS Nanoparticles on Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties for Gamma-Ray Shielding and Antibacterial Efficiency of PVA/PAAm Polymers Blend

We present the production and extensive characterization of a polyacrylamide (PAAm)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymeric blend doped with varying percentages of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs). Using the solution casting method, CdS-filled PVA/PAAm polymeric nanocomposite (PNCs) films in various weight ratios and percentages were created. The SEM pictures confirmed the identical spreading of CdS NPs in the mix. The filler CdS material might be used to modify the optical characteristics. The film’s direct optical energy gap ([Formula: see text] (dir.)) has been adjusted from 2.30[Formula: see text]eV to 3.30[Formula: see text]eV. The intermolecular interactions of the PVA/PAAm mix were investigated using FT-IR analysis. The electrical properties of alternating current were studied throughout a frequency range of 100[Formula: see text]Hz–5[Formula: see text]MHz. The impact of CdS NPs on the dielectric coefficient ([Formula: see text], dielectric loss ([Formula: see text] and ac conductivity ([Formula: see text] of PVA/PAAm PNCs over a range of frequencies at room temperature has been investigated. With increased CdS NPs, the attenuation coefficient values rose. We demonstrated that doping CdS composites with PVA/PAAm increases the antibacterial (ANB) activity of the composites. As a result of these findings, the PNCs films are appropriate for gamma-ray shielding (GRS) and ANB applications.

Development of Ag doped ZnO nanostructure and tranexamic acid infused chitosan-guargum film: A multifunctional antimicrobial dressing with haemostatic and wound closure potential

Modern wound care requires multifunctional dressings that can efficiently control bleeding and subsequent infection, facilitating faster healing which reduces the healthcare costs. Our study aimed to develop a nanocomposite biopolymeric film composed of Ag doped ZnO nanoparticle and drug tranexamic acid (TRA) loaded into chitosan guargum matrix (CGT/AgZnO) for obtaining improved antibacterial, antibiofilm and haemostatic properties, along with potential wound healing effects.The films were developed via solution casting method and characterized by various standard biophysical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy imaging etc. The polymeric nanocomposite films exhibited strong antibacterial efficacy against bacteria such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and B. subtilis. The films loaded with 3 wt% of nanoparticles (CGT/AgZnO3) exhibited remarkable growth inhibition i.e. 90% and 94% against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. These films also demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, with CGT/AgZnO3 inhibiting over 80% of bacterial biofilm formation after 72 h. The nanocomposite films exhibited a strong hemostatic effect as indicated by their blood clotting index (BCI) value. The in vitro hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility study (against the mouse fibroblast cells- L929 cell line) showed the films were highly biocompatible. The wound closure potential of the films was evaluated using in vitro scratch assays, exhibiting enhanced cell migration (100%) after 24 h, as compared to the control groups (66%). These findings confirmed that the developed CGT/AgZnO films have the potential as an excellent wound dressing material with high antibacterial, hemostatic, and wound healing properties.

Facile fabrication of ultrastrong polyethylene nanocomposite films with low filler content via flow-driven graphene re-dispersion assisted crystallization

Fabrication of polymer films with superb mechanical properties is far from mature compared to that of fibers, hampering the further engineering applications of lightweight polymer materials. Herein, high density polyethylene (HDPE) films reinforced with re-dispersed or refined reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are prepared via a facile melt-stretching strategy. The incorporation of only 0.2 wt% rGO is demonstrated to endow the melt-stretched film (80× stretch ratio) with ultrahigh Young's modulus of 2.9 GPa and tensile strength of 162.2 MPa, which are comparable to many engineering plastics and also significantly superior to the existing HDPE/graphene composites. More importantly, these modulus and strength values are increased by 71 and 65% compared to the neat PE (80×), respectively, far more than the theoretical prediction with the mixing rule. Experimental characterizations indicate that the high-efficient mechanical enhancement is attributed to the strong synergy of melt stretching-driven crystallization and rGO re-dispersion or refinement in constructing the compact and robust shish-kebabs crystal network. Such microstructural characteristics greatly promote the load transfer along the covalently bonded molecular chains, and also from polymer to rigid fillers under loading. Furthermore, the excellent puncture resistance and thermo-mechanical properties of PE/rGO films have been demonstrated. This work provides a feasible way towards scalable manufacturing of high-performance polymer nanocomposite films from general plastics and carbonaceous nanomaterials.

Optical characterization of PVDF/PMMA/OMMT hybrid polymer nanocomposite films for futuristic optoelectronic devices

Hybrid polymer nanocomposite (HPNC) films based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend (80/20 wt/wt%) host matrix and organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay filler (concentrations 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 wt%) are prepared by the homogenized solution casting method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies revealed the formation of intercalated and exfoliated OMMT structures in the prepared composites. The detailed optical characterization of these HPNC films is carried out with measurements of absorbance spectra by employing a dual beam ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer of wavelength range 200–800 nm. The varying amounts of dispersed OMMT into the PVDF/PMMA blend matrix leads to a gradual decrease in the direct energy band gap of the host matrix from 5.12 eV to 4.54 eV and also shows semiconductive characteristics of 3.83 eV wide band gap at higher nanofiller concentrations. The band gap values of these HPNC films are compared and discussed with other composites of different polymer blend matrices dispersed with a variety of nanofillers. The increase of OMMT concentrations enhanced the range of refractive index (1.85–2.65), extinction coefficient (1.14–10.69 × 10–4), optical range dielectric permittivity (3.44–7.07), and optical conductivity (1.32–17.14 × 1011 s−1) of these HPNC films, at a fixed wavelength of 500 nm, which further changes largely with the alteration in wavelength of incident photons. The nanofiller concentration controllable optical parameters of these PVDF/PMMA/OMMT based HPNCs reveal that they could be promising performance and multipurpose optical materials in the advances of futuristic flexible-type optoelectronic devices.

Broadband dielectric behaviour and structural characterization of PVDF/PMMA/OMMT polymer nanocomposites for promising performance nanodielectrics in flexible technology advances

Characterization of broadband dielectric behaviour of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) is vital for the exploration of efficient nanodielectrics as energy storage, flexible dielectric substrates, and insulators in a wide range of advanced electronic device technologies. Accordingly, herein, PNC films based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/ poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend matrix (80/20 wt/wt%) dispersed with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt% organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay are developed by state-of-the-art homogenized solution casting method. These PVDF/PMMA/OMMT compositions based flexible PNC films are characterized in detail by employing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) device, x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), inductance-capacitance-resistance (LCR) meter, and impedance/material analyzer (IMA). The SEM microimages, XRD traces, and FTIR spectra evidenced appreciable homogeneity and surface morphology, intercalated and exfoliated OMMT structures, and the α, β and γ-phase crystallites of the PVDF in these complex semicrystalline PNCs. The DSC thermograms confirmed a significant alteration in the melting temperature and degree of crystallinity of the PVDF crystallites with the increased amount of OMMT in the 80PVDF/20PMMA blend host matrix. The broadband dielectric dispersion spectra over the frequency range of 20 Hz−1 GHz explained the contribution of interfacial polarization in the complex dielectric permittivity at lower experimental frequencies, whereas at higher frequencies permittivity is ruled by dipolar polarization in these composites at 27 °C. The dielectric loss angle tangent and electric modulus spectra revealed an intense structural dynamics relaxation process in the upper radio frequency region. The influence of OMMT concentration on the dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity is explored. The detailed dielectric and electrical characterization of these innovative semicrystalline composites with important structural and thermal properties revealed their immense potential as high-performance nanodielectrics for highlighting current applications of broadband frequency range electrical and electronic device technologies.

Characterization and application of flexible, highly conductive freestanding films of SWCNT and PMMA nanocomposite prepared by facile solution method

The aim of this work was to prepare single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-embedded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) freestanding polymer films and investigate their mechanical and electrical properties. PMMA is widely used in various applications; however, its poor mechanical and electrical properties limit its use. The electrical and mechanical performance of PMMA can be effectively improved by producing nanoparticle-reinforced PMMA composites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly attractive nanoparticles used to develop polymer nanocomposite films with novel properties useful for diverse technological applications. The superior electrical and mechanical properties of CNTs can enhance the corresponding properties of the CNT/PMMA nanocomposite. The SWCNT/PMMA nanocomposite films were prepared with a simple sonication technique by employing ethanol and water as solvents. The prepared films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis to examine the structural, morphological, and optical properties as well as chemical composition of the films. In addition, nanoindentation and current vs. voltage studies were also conducted. Further, the hydrogen evaluation reaction effect of the prepared electrode was evaluated to investigate the catalytic activity of the films. This technologically attractive SWCNT/PMMA nanocomposite freestanding film prepared first time via a simple low-cost technique showed good conductivity, photosensitivity and flexibility with catalytic property.

Effective interactions and dielectric study of polymer nanocomposite thin films of polyvinylidene fluoride and graphene oxide

ABSTRACT Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a well-known fluoropolymer for its electronic applications. The present work investigates the influence of Graphene oxide (GO) in various weight percentages over the dielectric profile of the PVDF matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is used to explain the morphological features of the samples. The thermal stability of the PVDF polymer with the addition of GO was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), confocal Raman microscopy (CRM), and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to interpret the appreciable interfacial interactions between the matrix and the nanofiller and possible phase transformations. The presence of polar and non-polar polymorphic phases in PVDF was verified with the help of XRD, FTIR, and CRM analyses. The band gap energy of the samples was determined using the Tauc-plot method from UV–visible observations. The variation in the polarity of the matrix with the inclusion of GO is also noted. The dielectric and AC conductivity measurements were done at 100 Hz and 2 MHz. All these ascertain the candidacy of PVDF/GO nanocomposite thin films to be incorporated into electronic devices of this era.

Chitosan – TiO2 Nanocomposite Films for Efficient Decolourisation of Sulphur Black Dye under Dark Conditions

ABSTRACT Sulphur dyes are a class of dyes known for their low cost and excellent fastness to light and wash. But, excess amounts of unused dyes, electrolytes and sulphide contents were found to cause serious hazards to health and environment. This work reports the synthesis of cost-effective, non-toxic, environment-friendly chitosan (CS) and chitosan-TiO2 (5 wt% (CST-5), 10 wt% (CST-10) and 15 wt% (CST-15)) polymer nanocomposite films by the facile solution casting method. CS and CST polymer nanocomposite films were tested for the decolourisation of sulphur black dye. The structural analysis of the synthesised films using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) displayed the semi-crystalline peaks of chitosan and the anatase phase of TiO2 with tetragonal-bcc structure. The morphological analysis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed that TiO2 had dispersed uniformly into the polymer matrix. UV–Vis DRS and PL revealed the wide indirect band gap energy and charge transfer characteristics, respectively, of the polymer nanocomposite films. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) studies revealed the various bonds, functional groups and elemental properties of CS and TiO2-loaded CS films. Sulphur black dye decolourisation studies conducted under dark conditions at room temperature and atmospheric pressure revealed that CST-5 nanocomposite film exhibited an excellent decolourisation efficiency of 87.6% within 12 min of contact with the sulphur black dye solution. This swift and enhanced decolourisation was due to the synergistic effects of adsorption by chitosan and catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) by the catalyst TiO2. These nanocomposite films are potential materials for the treatment of wastewater and decolourisation of various toxic dyes.

Effects of Film Confinement on Dielectric and Electrical Properties of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Polymer Nanocomposites: Implications for Energy Storage

2D nanofillers such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO)-based polymer nanocomposites have emerged as crucial materials for various applications, from flexible solid-state capacitors to electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding devices. Specifically, the dielectric breakdown strength (EBD) and dielectric constant of polymer nanocomposite capacitors determine their ability to store energy, whereas frequency-dependent loss is crucial for EMI shielding applications. The miniaturization of energy storage and electronic devices demands a detailed understanding of the behavior of these polymer nanocomposites in the thin-film regime (micron to sub-micron thicknesses). In this work, we demonstrate the effect of confinement on the dielectric, electrical, and capacitive energy storage properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)–GO and PVDF–rGO films. We show that the dielectric permittivity is significantly impacted by the nanofiller confinement in thin (≈1 μm) PVDF polymer films, which is comparable to the lateral dimension of these 2D nanofillers. In thin PVDF–GO films, the nanofillers (and associated surface dipoles) become oriented quasi-parallel to the film interfaces, affecting the relative projected area to the applied electric field. The conductivity and loss tangent values increased as a function of frequency with reduced film thickness, which is beneficial to EMI shielding application. The EBD of the confined GO-based films was found to be relatively independent of the filler fraction, whereas rGO-based films increased with the filler fraction after an initial decrease. These results provide fundamental insights into rational design principles for using ultrathin GO and rGO-based polymer nanocomposite films in next-generation flexible electronic and energy storage devices.

Photoluminescence enhancement in quantum-dot-polymer films with CO2 micropores through KHCO3 decomposition

Quantum-dot (QDs) polymer composite films, which are key components in recent display applications, require improved photoluminescence (PL) intensity and color conversion efficiency for better display quality and low power consumption. In this study, we developed a novel approach to improve the photoluminescence (PL) of quantum dot (QDs)–polymer nanocomposite films. This was achieved by incorporating CO2 micropores and scattering particles into QD-embedded photopolymerizable polymer films. CO2 micropores were generated by the decomposition of KHCO3 in the film. The CO2 micropores, along with the partially decomposed KHCO3 microparticles, act as a scattering medium that increases the photon absorbance and improves the PL intensity. The effect of KHCO3 annealing temperature on various optical properties is investigated, and it is found that a large number of uniform micropores are created in the film at an optimal temperature, 110 ℃. Compared to an ordinary QD-polymer film, the PL of the QD-hybrid-foamed polymer film increases by 4.2 times. This method is fast and economically efficient, and provides insights into the design of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Energy and Thermal Performance Analysis of Quantum Dot Luminescent Solar Concentrators in Greenhouses

AbstractGreenhouses provide a controlled environment for plant growth, which increases crop yields, reduces the use of water and fertilizers, and offers resilience to droughts and extreme weather. However, greenhouse operation is energy intensive due to their heating and cooling loads. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are promising for semitransparent greenhouse roofs that produce clean electricity, thus reducing the greenhouse energy demand, while also transmitting enough light to satisfy plant growth. Herein, we model the performance of LSC roofs designed as glass panels coated with quantum dot (QD)/polymer nanocomposite films and front‐facing surface‐mounted photovolatic cells. Five widely studied QD materials are examined to demonstrate that the proposed QD LSC roofs can have effective power conversion efficiencies exceeding 10% while also increasing the red‐light fraction, which is beneficial for plant growth. The effect of LSC integration on the greenhouse thermal energy demands is studied for the example of silicon (Si) QD LSC roofs. In warm climates, solar power generated by the Si QD LSC roofs satisfies the entire greenhouse energy demand and thus enables net‐zero energy operation. Overall, the results of the current research demonstrate the strong potential of integrating QD LSCs into greenhouses to reduce energy costs and enhance plant growth.

Effect of CuO Nanoparticles on the Optical, Structural, and Electrical Properties in the PMMA/PVDF Nanocomposite.

A polymeric nanocomposite film, composed of PMMA/PVDF and different amounts of CuO NPs, was successfully prepared using the casting method to enhance its electrical conductivity. Various techniques were employed to investigate their physicochemical properties. The addition of CuO NPs causes a noticeable difference in the intensities and locations of vibrational peaks in all bands, confirming the incorporation of CuO NPs inside the PVDF/PMMA. In addition, the broadening of the peak at 2θ = 20.6° becomes more intense with increasing amounts of CuO NPs, confirming the increase in the amorphous characteristic of PMMA/PVDF incorporated with CuO NPs in comparison with PMMA/PVDF. Furthermore, the image of the polymeric structure exhibits a smoother shape and interconnection of pore structure associated with spherical particles that agglomerate and give rise to a web-like organization that becomes a matrix. Increasing surface roughness is responsible for an increasing surface area. Moreover, the addition of CuO NPs in the PMMA/PVDF leads to a decrease in the energy band gap, and further increasing the additional amounts of CuO NPs causes the generation of localized states between the valence and conduction bands. Furthermore, the dielectric investigation shows an increase in the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and electric conductivity, which may be an indication of an increase in the degree of disorder that confines the movement of charge carriers and demonstrates the creation of an interconnected percolating chain, enhancing its conductivity values compared with that without the incorporation of a matrix.

Improvement structural and dielectric properties of PS/SiC/Sb2O3 nanostructures for nanoelectronics devices

In the current study, the PS/SiC/Sb2O3 nanocomposites have been prepared by using solution casting method with different concentrations of SiC/Sb2O3 nanoparticles (0,2,4,6,8) % wt. The structural and dielectric properties of (PS/SiC/Sb2O3) nanocomposites have been investigated. Full emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) used to study the surface of nanocomposite. FE-SEM confirmed that good distribution of SiC and Sb2O3 NPs into the polymer matrix. Optical microscope (OM) was tested the morphological of nanocomposite that proven that the polystyrene is exceptionally miscible, as seen by its finer form and smooth, homogeneous surface, while the additive concentration SiC and Sb2O3 NPs are well distributed on the surface of the polymer nanocomposite films. Fourier transformation spectroscopy (FTIR) was examine the structural of nanocomposite and give the information of the vibration of molecules. From FTIR, the additive SiC and Sb2O3 NPs caused interaction with polymer matrix. FTIR proven that there is physical interactions between polystyrene and SiC and Sb2O3 NPs. According to AC electrical properties, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the NCs reduce with increasing the frequency of the applied electric field and increased with increasing concentration of SiC/Sb2O3 nanoparticles, while AC electrical conductivity increased with increasing frequency and concentration of SiC/Sb2O3 NPs. The results of structural and electrical characteristics show that the PS/SiC/Sb2O3 nanocomposites may be used for various electronics devices.

Hybrid GO/TiO2 nanoparticles reinforced NaAlg/PVA blend: Nanocomposites for high‐performance energy storage devices

AbstractIn this study, novel flexible polymer nanocomposite films formed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate (NaAlg), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) as nanofiller are fabricated by using casting method. The PVA/NaAlg‐GO/TiO2 nanocomposite films are characterized using various techniques. The synergistic effects of GO/TiO2 on the electrical, dielectric properties, and the energy density efficiency of PVA/NaAlg blend have been investigated in the range of frequency from 10 Hz to 7 MHz. The XRD data showed that the intensity of the PVA/NaAlg‐GO/TiO2 nanocomposites films decrease with nanofiller concentration. The FTIR spectroscopy provides proof that the complex formed. The optical studies were carried out using UV–Vis. spectroscopy. The energy bandgap values of PVA/NaAlg‐GO/TiO2 nanocomposite films were calculated using Tauc's plot. It is shown that the host matrix's Eg value decreases from 4.97 to 4.29 eV for direct transitions and from 4.37 to 2.29 eV for indirect transitions. The electrical and dielectric parameters of the nanocomposites showed that the maximum electrical properties were observed for the composite with 8 wt% loading of GO/TiO2. The σdc increased from 2.45 × 10−9 to 5.02 × 10−7 S cm−1. In addition, frequency exponent S decreased from 0.82 to 0.54. These findings demonstrated that there are significant modifications in the fabricated samples, which open the road for utilizing the PVA/NaAlg‐GO/TiO2 nanocomposite as flexible films for solar cells and electrical energy storage applications.

Flexible reversible polymer nano-composite thin film patch for wearable temperature sensor

A flexible polymer nano-composite thin film patch for wearable temperature sensors was fabricated, which presents excellent energy storage and temperature indication properties. In this composite patch, conductive silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were used as functional fillers while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used as polymer material. The effects of Ag NPs concentration on morphology and temperature indication were experimentally investigated using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The findings showed that Ag was uniformly distributed across matrix membranes. Also, the prepared PVA-Ag nanocomposite thin film patch showed improved mechanical properties and conductivity. The consequence of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) displayed a semi-crystalline nature. The results show the potential for incorporating subordinate AgNP concentrations as a substitute to enhance performance in terms of mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial qualities without treatment. The electrical properties were studied through the current-voltage(I–V) characteristics showing the linear I–V ohmic contact and low contact resistance. With heat storage and temperature regulation capabilities, a flexible polymer nano-composite patch for a wearable temperature sensor was created and has significant promise for use in the future in energy storage, thermal management, and wearable temperature sensors.

Modification and development in the microstructure of PVA/CMC-GO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites films as an application in energy storage devices and magnetic electronics industry

We used casting method to create nanocomposites films from carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and GO/Fe3O4 as nanofiller. Various analyses such as structural, vibrational, optical, conductivity, dielectric and magnetic studies reveal promising properties of the prepared polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) films. The amorphous phase of the polymer blend increased with increasing GO/Fe3O4 concentration up to samples containing 0.05%GO/1%Fe3O4 nanofiller, according to X-ray diffraction. The complexation of the nanofiller with the polymer blend's –OH, –COO, CO, and –CH groups through a coordinate bond/hydrogen bond was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared analysis. While the Urbach energy showed a trend in the opposite direction, the optical bandgap gradually turned red as the nanofiller concentration increased. The interaction of GO/Fe3O4 ions with the CMC/PVA matrix is attributed to the changes in optical properties of CMC/PVA. The Jonscher's power law (JPL) is observed in all samples' ac conductivity spectra. To comprehend the charge storage competences, research of dielectric permittivity was also conducted. A study of dielectric permittivity was also conducted to comprehend the charge storage competences. While AC conductivity increases with frequency, dielectric characteristics decrease with frequency. With the addition of nanofiller, AC conductivity and dielectric characteristics increase. For 0.05%GO/1%Fe3O4 nanofiller loaded sample, the highest AC conductivity and dielectric constant were attained. The results of vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed that synthesized nanocomposite films exhibit superparamagnetic features. The unique features of CMC/PVA-GO/Fe3O4 films enable their employment in a variety of industries, including magnetic electronics, energy storage devices, and optoelectronics.

Single material with multiple interfaces: A key one dimensional barium titanate filler for enhancing energy density in polymer nanocomposite

The increasing demand of energy and its storage devices in consumer electronics requires high energy density capacitors. In this context, we proposed a filler of single material with multiple interfaces to enhance the energy density in polymer nanocomposite film. The core-shell polydopamine (PDA) coated BaTiO3 (BT) incorporated in 1D BT architecture filler was prepared by the electrospinning process. In order to investigate the effect of the interfaces, the poly(vinylidene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) nanocomposite films of a fixed filler (BT, PDA coated BT and 1D core-shell BT) concentration were prepared. The introduction of a ferroelectric filler induces an electroactive phase in P(VDF-CTFE), leading to dielectric constant enhancement by 135% in nanocomposite film. This enhancement in dielectric constant is due to the increased polarizability of nanocomposite film, which was verified by the finite element analysis of electric field distribution. The ferroelectric (polarization vs electric field) loop measurement indicates that the multi-interfaced ferroelectric filler based nanocomposite film exhibits increased maximum polarization of 14.3 μC/cm2, breakdown strength of 5000 kV/cm and improved energy density of 9.9 J/cm3. It implying that an enormous increment (371%) of energy storage as compared to commercial biaxially orientated polypropylene (2.1 J/cm3).

Polymer nanocomposite thin films prepared using single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for flexible electronics

Polymer nanocomposite thin films prepared using single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for flexible electronics

Investigation of Structural and Optical Characteristics of Biopolymer Composites Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol Inserted with PbS Nanoparticles

The film casting method is implemented to synthesize a series of films consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films and 4 wt%, 8 wt%, and 12 wt% lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy were used to ensure the impact of PbS loading on PVA properties, particularly optical ones. The FTIR results show a decrease in the intensity for all the bands and the XRD results show different features for the composites from that of the pure PVA. The optical properties, including optical transmission, surface reflection, and absorption, were investigated. Additionally, the significant optical parameters, for instance, the dielectric nature and refractive index of the films, were analyzed. The findings have shown that PbS NPs in the PVA films decrease UV and visible transmission through polymer composites and increase their ability to reflect the incident light. Tauc’s equation is applied to determine the optical bandgap energy (Eg) and verify whether it is direct or indirect. Using the relation between photon energy and optical dielectric loss, the Eg was measured and the type of electron transition was measured, which eases the exponent value (𝜸) specification from Tauc’s method. The Eg decreases from 6.3 eV to 5.25 eV when PbS NPs are added. The refractive index is improved from 1.27 to 2.16 for the polymer nanocomposite (NCPs) film with optimum PbS NPs. Then, the Wemple–DiDomenico model corresponding to a single oscillator is applied to the dispersive medium to determine the refractive index dispersion. Both the dispersive energy (Ed) and single-oscillator energy (Eo) are evaluated accurately. Moreover, the variation of both real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant of polymer films were studied. Finally the optical parameters such as charge density, dielectric constant at high frequencies, optical mobility (µ), angular frequency (ωp), optical resistivity (ρ), and relaxation time (τ) of electrons are shown quantitatively. The ωp of the electron is increased from 1.06 × 1029 to 81.5 × 1029 Hz when the PbS NPs is added. The µ of the electrons is also increased from 4.85 to 6.22 cm2/(V·s) by adding the PbS NP.

Nanovertenergie: Bactericidal polymer nanocomposite beads for carcinogenic dye removal from aqueous solution

This project stresses the current problems in the industrial revolution and the increasing demand for new products due to the population explosion. In the race for industrialization, the production unlimited byproducts and discharge of harmful gases in the atmosphere, discharging harmful sewage into fresh water resources and dumping of harmful waste in the soil. Polymer nanocomposites enable an eco-friendly environment that is dignified to be far for efficient than the current strategies, and likewise, anti-bacterial, and water treatment holds the future.Here, the design and development of polymer nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol cross-linked with melamine-formaldehyde doped with Cu nanoparticles. The electrostatic interaction between polymer matrixes increases the chemical stability after doping Cu nanoparticles. The chemical stability order of polymer nanocomposites was confirmed by contact angle (58-90o) in water> NaOH> HCl. The polymer nanocomposite films were analyzed for the Congo red (CR) dye adsorption using Batch adsorption methods. Three parameters were used to determine dye adsorption by contact time, pH, and the dye concentration of CR dye. The dye adsorption analysis reveals that CR dye adsorption increases in polymer nanocomposite films from (C1-C5). CR dye adsorption increase with respect to contact upto 80% mg L−1, but the adsorption percentage decreases (68-13%) as the pH (4-10) increases values. The anti-bacterial results reveal that the inhibition against B. subtilis 736 and S. aureus is 40 mm and 35 mm, respectively, after the encapsulation of Cu nanoparticles. The present study launched a positive effort to design and develop an eco-friendly, very efficient, and safe synthesis of nanomaterials with unparalleled properties like waste water treatment discharge from textile industries for cleaner production, bactericidal, and packing industries.