Zinc Oxide Nanofiller Research Articles

Study on enhancing mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite through zinc oxide nanofiller

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers. The composites were developed by adding 3–15 g of ZnO nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix and were evaluated through experimental testing. The results showed significant improvements in mechanical performance, with the maximum tensile strength of 112.49 MPa and flexural strength of 114.82 MPa at the 15 g ZnO concentration. SEM analysis revealed a reduction in void content and improved fiber-matrix adhesion, enhancing load transfer. Thermal conductivity is 13.47 W/mK, while the coefficient of linear thermal expansion is 9.29 × 10−5/°C, indicating superior thermal stability. TGA analysis demonstrated a shift in decomposition temperature from 310 to 375 °C, confirming enhanced thermal stability. These results highlight the positive influence of ZnO nanofillers on both the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites, making them more suitable for advanced structural applications.

Environmental sustainability and waste conversion of Prosopis juliflora fibre-reinforced ZnO nanofiller particulates PLA composite- mechanical and thermal analysis

The presence of large quantities of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibers in natural habitats presents substantial threats to the environment and economies of numerous developing countries. Utilizing natural fibers in polymer composites can effectively enhance their characteristics. The primary objective of this study is to create a composite material by combining Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) fiber with a polylactic matrix that has been combined with zinc oxide nanofillers. The fabrication process will involve the hand layup technique. In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical characteristics, thermal behavior, and thermal stability of the PJ composite, it is necessary to undertake additional investigations. The results showed that the inclusion of zinc oxide filler enhanced the tensile strength (67.29 MPa), flexural strength (64.27 MPa), compressive strength (56.79 MPa), and impact energy (34 J) in sample S5. Additionally, the thermal properties, including thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and short-term heat resistant capacity, were also improved by the addition of zinc oxide filler in sample S5. The deterioration temperature of the PJ composite was determined to be between 312 and 342 °C using thermogravimetric analysis. The failure mode of the PJ composite was investigated using scanning electron microscopy.

Optical, thermal, and electrical characteristics of cashew gum/Polypyrrole/zinc oxide nanocomposites for next‐gen optoelectronics

AbstractIn this electronic era, there is a demand to switch from conventional polymers to conducting biopolymers. We developed conducting biopolymer nanocomposites of cashew gum (CG) and polypyrrole (PPy) with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers [CG/PPy/ZnO] via in‐situ oxidative polymerization using a sustainable solvent. These nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR signal at 855 cm−1 confirms the successful inclusion of ZnO nanofillers into the biopolymer. UV–vis absorption of the blend nanocomposite increases with the nanoparticle doses. Among the various blend nanocomposites, the least bandgap energy was observed for 7 wt% ZnO loading. FE‐SEM revealed homogeneous dispersion of ZnO nanofillers in the CG/PPy blend at 7 wt% ZnO. TGA and DSC demonstrated that the CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites have better thermal stability and glass transition temperature than the pure polymer blend, indicating enhanced thermal properties. The CG/PPy/7 wt% ZnO showed the highest conductivity, 4.62 times greater than the pristine blend at 100 Hz. Dielectric constant, activation energy, AC conductivity and dielectric loss measurements demonstrated that the nanocomposites outperformed the pure polymer blend. Complex impedance analysis revealed increased impedance with rising temperature. Overall, CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites exhibit superior optical, morphological, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties, making them promising for energy storage and optoelectronic applications.Highlights Ecofriendly synthesis of CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites Enhancement in optical, structural, and thermal properties of CG/PPy/ZnO Dielectric properties and temperature‐dependent AC conductivity are summarized. Blend nanocomposite shows higher AC conductivity and dielectric constant CG/PPy/ZnO nanocomposites are suitable for energy storage applications

Experimental Design and Analysis of MWCNT, Nanoclay and Zinc Oxide Nanofillers on Bi-directional-Chopped Stranded Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy matrix on Mechanical Properties using Multi Response Performance Index Approach

Experimental Design and Analysis of MWCNT, Nanoclay and Zinc Oxide Nanofillers on Bi-directional-Chopped Stranded Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy matrix on Mechanical Properties using Multi Response Performance Index Approach

The Thermal Energy Storage Characteristics of Oleic Acid Modified ZnO‐Decorated Polymer Matrix‐Supported Composite Phase Change Materials: Synthesis and Characterization

AbstractIn this study, modified nano zinc oxide (ZnO)‐reinforced polymer‐supported novel thermally enhanced form‐stable composite phase change materials (PCMs) are presented, which are prepared via water in oil emulsion polymerization and following impregnation process steps. First, ZnO nanoparticles are modified with oleic acid (OA) to obtain lipophilic structures for emulsion stability, which are designed to take a role as a heat transfer activator. To ensure the shape stabilization of n‐hexadecane used as organic PCM, polymeric support materials are synthesized in the presence of modified ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO@OA). The polymeric frameworks exhibit open porous morphology, and the thermal stability of the support matrix improves with the addition of ZnO nanofiller. In the second step, composite PCMs are prepared by incorporation of n‐hexadecane with the solvent‐assisted vacuum impregnation method into polymer composites. The 1.0% ZnO@OA incorporated composite PCM has the highest incorporation ratio and exhibits a thermal storage capability (η) of 100%. According to the T‐history and thermal conductivity tests, it is observed that the heat conduction rate is enhanced with the addition of ZnO@OA nanofiller. The conclusion is that the obtained ZnO@OA integrated composite PCMs have a remarkable potential for latent heat storage applications requiring low temperature in the range of 5–25 °C.

ZnO nanofiller concentrations modified P(VDF-HFP)/PEO polymer matrix-based nanocomposites of enhanced optical and dielectric properties for emerging optoelectronic and energy storage devices

Wide bandgap metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated polymer blend matrix-based polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are established as innovative multifunctional and properties tunable materials in the dimensional design and fabrication of promising performance extensive flexible type advanced devices. For further progress in these materials, herein, the detailed structural and promising properties of solution-cast prepared ternary PNC films, composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP)/ poly(ethylene oxide) PEO (50/50 wt%) host matrix and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt%), are characterized. A sequence of employed experimental techniques, namely SEM, XRD, FTIR, and DSC, confirm that the surface morphology, polymorphic crystallographic character, polymer-polymer interactions, polymer-nanoparticle interfaces, crystalline phase thermal transitions, and degree of crystallinity of these PNCs largely affected with varying nanofiller concentrations. The optical study conducted with a UV–Vis spectrophotometer revealed high photo sensing and UV shielding characteristics with an energy bandgap of about 3.0 eV, demonstrating widespread applications of these semiconducting PNC materials in emerging optoelectronic device technologies. The broadband dielectric spectroscopic (BDS) characterization over the 20 Hz–1 GHz range explained harmonic field frequency and nanofiller concentration tunable dielectric permittivity (about 3 to 13) with low losses and multiple relaxation processes, predominantly ruled by microstructural interfaces and interactions developed in these ternary hybrid complex materials. The meaningful broadband dielectric characteristics of P(VDF-HFP)/PEO/ZnO materials demonstrated that they could be used as innovative nanodielectrics for energy storage purposes in capacitive devices, and flexible dielectric substrate and insulators for the fabrication of frequency-adjustable discrete and integrated microelectronic devices.

A comparative analysis of flexible pvdf based smart films for advanced electromagnetic shielding applications using a machine learning approach

Due to emerging technology, the usage of electronic gadgets has paved a route for the arousal of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) pollution. Electromagnetic pollution is considered a global threat that can harm all biological systems and technological equipment. To overcome this issue, a suitable shielding material has to be implemented to attenuate the incoming electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, compared to traditional materials, recently, polymers have grabbed excellent responses in various fields of material science and modern chemistry. Specifically, functional polymers are increasing their scope in industry and academia due to their unique features, such as magnetic, catalysis, optical and piezoelectric properties. In this regard, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), a well-known semicrystalline polymer from the family of Fluoropolymers, has achieved remarkable in various applications of sensors, actuators, biomedical scaffolds and energy harvesting devices. PVDF has also contributed excellent outcomes as a shielding material as they are transparent to light and flexible. Hence, this research work attempts to fabricate PVDF thin films with various weight percentages of nanofillers such as Zinc oxide (ZnO), Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and Titanium dioxide (TiO2). Further, all the samples were tested for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE). Further, these experimental results were compared with statistical and computational approaches such as the Gradient Descent Algorithm (GDA) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the PVDF nanofilm fabricated with 0.3 wt% of ZrO2, 0.5 wt% of TiO2and 0.3 wt% of ZnO nanofillers had achieved a maximum EMI SE of 11.4 dB at X-band frequency of 8–12 GHz.

Chain length dependence of ZnO nanofiller–polystyrene blend coating nanofilm: Morphology, surface mechanics, photochemistry, and chain packing

Based on that chain packing which is associated with the number of entanglements per chain and thereby chain length is an influential factor closely related to the properties of polymeric coating film, the nanothin film of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller–incorporated polystyrene (PS) coated on Si substrate important to electronic packaging for protecting electronic material surface is fabricated with different PS molecular weights primarily for heat–resistant coating. Synergistically, through directly–measurable film characteristics obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopy (AFS) in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy (RS), the internal structures of the films are evaluated which helps indicate the corresponding film properties tested afterwards. Considering mechanical responses of individual nanoscale surface features together with surface morphology, the optimal PS–ZnO film is pointed out which indicates improved resistance to thermal dewetting compared to pure PS films while providing sub–nanometer roughness and the highest contact area of relatively low–surface–energy sites. Correlated with Raman analysis, chain packing structure encouraging multiple amplification of incident light is ascribed to the films made of the optimal chain length which indicates and describes the observed enhancement of photocatalytic self–cleaning. This study not only contributes to the development of PS–ZnO composite for multi–function coating but also to the design of structure and inspection of nanoparticle–reinforced polymer thin films.

Effects of inorganic MnO2 and ZnO nanofillers on the structural investigations and dielectric behaviour of PVA polymeric materials

Different contents of manganese oxide (MnO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form flexi MnO2/PVA as well as ZnO/PVA nanocomposite films. XRD as well SEM methodologies are used to evaluate the properties of the fabricated films. The XRD analysis demonstrates that MnO2/PVA as well as ZnO/PVA composites were effectively fabricated. The SEM pictures show that MnO2 and ZnO are uniformly dispersed throughout the PVA polymeric chains. Furthermore, the electrical conductivities, dielectric permittivity, electric moduli behaviors, as well as dielectric impedances of PVA, MnO2/PVA, ZnO/PVA films were recorded using LCR method in frequencies 102 to 106 Hz. At 105 Hz, the dielectric enhanced from 2.05 for PVA to 5.5 on PVA/5%ZnO and 4.15 for PVA/10%MnO2, while the conductivities increase from 1.05x10-7 S/cm for PVA to 4.01x10-7 S/cm for PVA/5%ZnO and to 5.4x10-7 S/cm for PVA/10%MnO2. The current work pave the way to using of ZnO/PVA and MnO2/PVA flexi nanocomposite films in a different uses including battery, super-capacitors, as well as storage devices.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanofiller on the Dielectric Thermal and Optical Properties of Polypropylene

In the field of electrical engineering, polymer nano-composites have been alluring owing to their excellent dielectric properties. At contrasting loading concentration, they are embodied with nano-fillers for boosting their dielectric properties. This paper aims to investigate the dielectric properties, thermal properties, surface hydrophobicity, surface leakage current and optical properties of polypropylene (PP) when reinforced with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano-fillers to find its suitability as a dielectric material. With the introduction of ZnO fillers in PP, improvements of dielectric properties have been observed. Thermal stability is observed to be more or less the same in terms of decomposition temperature, temperature corresponding to maximum rate of decomposition, endothermic and exothermic peak. Better surface hydrophobicity and leakage current of lower magnitude are observed even with ZnO filler loading. UV absorption has been found to have increased after ZnO nano-filler loading.

Tuning of dielectric and magnetic performance of graphene oxide via defect regulation by metal oxide nanoparticle for high temperature device

Graphene oxide (GO) is used as a dielectric material in device applications. However, relatively low dielectric constant, high loss, and low working temperature significantly constrain their widespread application. The electrical and magnetic properties of GO can be regulated by using different fillers. Here, we try to regulate the defects of Zinc Oxide ( ZnO) by doping Fe ions and then make composites with GO (GO@ZnO-Fe) towards the increment of the dielectric constant and reduce the loss of GO. The morphology and microstructure characterization of GO composites ensured the enhancement of interlayer cross-links and lateral bridging between the edges of adjacent GO sheets in the presence of ZnO and ZnO-Fe nanofillers. The layered structure of GO produced charge accumulation based on the Maxwell- Wagner (MW) polarization, and after compositing, with ZnO nanofillers, the dielectric constant of GO increases from 350 to 470. But the use of Fe doped ZnO nanofiller increased the maximum dielectric constant to∼ 2240 due to the synergic effect of ZnO and Fe ions. At the same time, the loss is also decreased simultaneously with increasing Fe doping (tanδ =96 for GO and 30 for composite). The dielectric surge occurs at different high temperatures for different composites of GO, and before the surge, the dielectric constants are thermally stable. The conductivity and magnetic properties of the composites increases compared to GO due to the presence of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions. The increase of Fe doping composites displayed thermally stable dielectric properties with a high dielectric constant (7100) and low loss over a broad temperature. Our work demonstrates an efficient method of tuning the dielectric, conductive and magnetic properties of GO-based materials that hold great potential in high-temperature electronic applications.

Improved Electrical Signal of Non-Poled 3D Printed Zinc Oxide-Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposites.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) presents highly useful piezo and pyro electric properties but they are predicated upon the processing methods and the ensuing volume fraction of the β-phase. Production of PVDF with higher β-phase content for additive manufacturing (AM) is particularly desirable because it can enable the creation of custom parts with enhanced properties. Necessary steps from compounding to the testing of a 3D printed piezo sensitive sensor are presented in this paper. AM process variables and the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller on crystallinity, viscosity, and electromechanical properties of PVDF, have been explored. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements confirm that a high cooling rate (HCR) of 30 °C min−1 promotes the conversion of the α-into the β-phase, reaching a maximum of 80% conversion with 7.5–12.5% ZnO content. These processing conditions increase the elastic modulus up to 40%, while maintaining the ultimate strength, ≈46 MPa. Furthermore, HCR 10% ZnO-PVDF produces four times higher volts per Newton when compared to low cooling rate, 5 °C min−1, pristine PVDF. A piezoelectric biomedical sensor application has been presented using HCR and ZnO nanofiller. This technique also reduces the need for post-poling which can reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Migration, aggregations and thermal degradation behaviors of TiO2 and ZnO incorporated PBAT/TPS nanocomposite blown films

Metal oxides including titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) enhanced the properties and functional performance of biodegradable plastic food packaging. Effects of TiO2 and ZnO nanofillers (1-5%) on bioplastic packaging microstructural changes were investigated for infrared absorption, thermal stability and migration behavior in distilled water, 10% ethanol and 3% acetic acid. Nanoparticles were compounded with thermoplastic starch (TPS) before blending with polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), and converted into nanocomposite films via blown-film extrusion. Microstructural analysis indicated that addition of TiO2 and ZnO enhanced disruption of starch granules, increasing the amorphous starch portion. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) exhibited higher aggregations of TiO2 particles than ZnO, coincident with higher degree of hydrogen bonding between ZnO and TPS phase. Strong interaction between ZnO and polymers also modified degradation temperatures (Td) of both PBAT and TPS phase in PBAT/TPS blend films. TiO2 gave identical Td but higher residual mass depending on nanocomposite amounts that modified the amorphous-crystalline fraction. Films with ZnO had higher migration levels, particularly in acid simulant due to high dissolution of ZnO particles, analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Release of titanium was strongly dependent on simulant types, showing maximum at 3-4% TiO2 followed by a sharp drop at higher TiO2 levels. Films containing ZnO showed higher migration levels, indicating that films containing TiO2 were more inert. Migration levels of titanium and zinc metals from TiO2 and ZnO incorporated PBAT/TPS blown films were influenced by alteration of the matrix structure due to simulant penetrations, interaction and adhesion forces between metals and polymers and favorable dissolution of the metal into simulants. Interaction between simulant-polymer and simulant-metal oxide particles further modified film matrices and enhanced release. The films showed promise for use in aqueous surroundings for food applications.

Enrichment a Study of Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties of Mowiol 4-88 (Pva) Filled Zno Nanocomposites

The use of ZnO nanoparticles in the fabrication of PVA (Mowiol 4-88) nanocomposites with different ‘x’ filling compositions through solvent casting technique leading to the enrichment of the host's physical properties is presented. The sol-gel approach synthesizes Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles of size 100 nm was confirmed through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) techniques. The XRD technique determines the appearance of nanocomposites and their structural properties. The improvement in filling concentration enhances the particle size up to 150 nm and percentage crystallinity by 41 % for optimum filler composition. The FTIR spectra demonstrate ZnO nanofillers' binding with OH group of host Mowiol 4-88 through intra or inter hydrogen bonding leading to a complex conformation. The optical studies indicate a decrease in the energy gap with the rise in filler composition up to 15 wt%, and frequency-dependent dielectric constant characterization shows the enhancement in the dielectric constant with an optimum filling concentration 15 wt% ZnO nanofillers. FESEM image confirms homogenous distribution and complex particle size of incorporated ZnO nanoparticles in the PVA matrix. HIGHLIGHTS ZnO nanoparticles with Fabrication of PVA (Mowiol 4-88) nanocomposites through solvent casting technique ZnO nanoparticles of size 100 nm was confirmed Filling concentration enhances the particle size and percentage crystallinity SEM and EDS illustrate ZnO nanofiller’s systematic distribution Dielectric measurements show that these fabricated polymeric composites are polar GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Analogy and Comparative Study of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Biopolymer with Graphene Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nano Fillers

Present study describes the analogy and comparative study of polymer nanocomposites with the known polymer matrix hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as nano fillers. The polymer nanocomposite films were carried out using solution casting method and characterized by IR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, mechanical properties, thermal characterization and optical microscopy analysis. There were several changes in the HPMC polymer by the addition of nanoparticles of GO and ZnO in structural, thermal, mechanical and optical properties. The thermal stability of the composite films increased as compared with the pure HPMC whereas the mechanical study shows a variation of down values.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone-resorcinol-formaldehyde hydrogel system reinforced with bio-synthesized zinc-oxide for water shut-off in heterogeneous reservoir: An experimental investigation

This work aims at evaluating advancement in water shut-off performance using nanocomposite hydrogel (PVP-ZnO:RF) prepared from PolyVinylPyrrolidone (PVP); used as polymer, Resorcinol-Formaldehyde (RF); used as a crosslinker and nano Zinc Oxide (ZnO); used as strength modifier and it was compared with conventional hydrogel (PVP:RF)i.e., hydrogel without ZnO nanofiller. The ZnO, used as a nanofiller in this work, was successfully bio-synthesized (i.e., green route synthesized) from plant extract (Moringa oleifera leaves) and the average size was found to be 10 nm. In this research work, the effect of ZnO nanofiller on gelation time, gel strength, thermal stability, rheological properties and water shut-off performance was systematically evaluated. On the incorporation of ZnO nanofiller, gelation time decreases but gel strength increases. The thermal stability of hydrogel was studied using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) that depicts maximum tolerable temperature increases from 86 °C to 92 °C at 0.5 wt.% of ZnO concentration in nanocomposite hydrogel (PVP). The mechanical stability of the nanocomposite hydrogel (PVP-ZnO:RF) demonstrates that infusion of ZnO nanofiller has significantly enhanced the dynamic moduli (i.e., storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″)). Moreover, the optimum results of storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) are found at 0.5 wt.% of ZnO nanofiller. The water shut-off performance in the high permeable streak, in terms of percentage reduction in permeability, was 97% and 92% for nanocomposite hydrogel (PVP-ZnO:RF) and conventional hydrogel (PVP:RF), respectively. Also, the residual resistance factor is found to be 31.31 and 12.71 for PVP-ZnO:RF and PVP:RF hydrogels. Thus, the developed nanocomposite hydrogel (PVP-ZnO:RF) may be a promising solution to excessive water production in mature oil fields.

Effect of ZnO Nanofiller in the XLPE Matrix on Electrical Tree Characteristics

The effect of nanofillers on the electrical tree behavior of polymeric materials, such as epoxy resin and polyethylene, has been investigated. Thus, research on electrical tree behaviour is extended but limited only to pure crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cable. Electrical tree properties are yet to be explored under various types of nanofillers in XLPE. In this paper, the electrical tree characteristics of XLPE containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller was reported. The nanofiller concentrations in XLPE were varied to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%. Needle-plane electrodes were employed with 2 mm gap between the electrodes. A digital camera and microscope system were used to observe the structure and growth of electrical tree in XLPE. The tree inception voltage (TIV) of XLPE increased with the addition of ZnO nanofiller. The propagation length of tree growth improved compared with the unfilled XLPE. The TIV for the samples with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% ZnO nanofiller improved by 7.69%, 14.65%, and 7.16%, respectively, relative to the unfilled XLPE.

Impact of co-mixing technique and surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles using stearic acid on their dispersion into HDPE to produce HDPE/ZnO nanocomposites

In this article, the effectiveness of the co-mixing processing technique and surface modification of zinc oxide (ZnO) filler on the characteristics of the developed high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/ZnO was investigated. ZnO was treated and co-mixed with stearic acid (SA) at a ratio of 50/50 wt% using kitchen coffee grinder and the mixture was then added to the HDPE matrix in a Brabender plastograph with various ZnO contents of 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%. The morphology of the nanocomposites was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The micrographs showed well and uniform dispersion of both treated and untreated ZnO nanofiller; however, the treated ZnO particles showed better dispersion. The nanocomposite containing 1 wt% ZnO nanoparticles was found to have the optimal properties. The results of the SEM were supported by the atomic force microscopic technique. The uniform dispersion of ZnO was further investigated through X-ray diffraction spectra. The minor peaks of ZnO in the HDPE/treated and untreated ZnO nanocomposites are considered as an evidence for the presence of uniform and well-dispersed ZnO. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite samples is higher than that of neat HDPE due to the semiconducting nature of ZnO and increases with ZnO content. The results of this work proved that dispersibility can be achieved through the addition of SA and conductivity of the nanocomposite depends on the ZnO content. Moreover, co-mixing technique and the surface modification of the nanofillers are very effective in producing the HDPE/ZnO nanocomposites that have many potential industrial applications such as food packaging, drug and pharmaceutical bottles.

Effect of Separate Zinc, Copper and Graphene Oxides Nanofillers on Electrical Properties of PVA Based Composite Strips

Light weight, flexible and easily processable polymeric nanocomposites possessing either high or low dielectric permittivity is in demand for high density capacitors and in microelectronics, respectively. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of separate zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanofillers on the electrical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based composite strips. Herein, a simple solution casting technique has been adopted to fabricate composite strips at different nanofillers loadings. The electrical properties of composite strips were evaluated using a frequency response analyzer. There was observed a rise in dielectric constant ( $$ \varepsilon^{\prime } $$ ), dielectric loss ( $$ \varepsilon^{\prime \prime } $$ ) and AC conductivity (σac) of separate ZnO and GO nanofillers loaded PVA strips; whereas a decrease in the said parameters was observed on loading with separate CuO and RGO nanofillers in the PVA based composite strips. The frequency response analysis showed a prominent effect of applied frequency and nanofiller contents on the electrical properties of composite strips. There was observed a significant decrease in $$ \varepsilon^{\prime } $$ and $$ \varepsilon^{\prime \prime } $$ on just 0.004 wt.% RGO loading in the PVA based composite strips. Such efficient nanocomposites might be suitable for their use in microelectronics and microwave applications at above the 1 MHz range.

Preparation of Degradable Sago Starch Film Incorporated with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemical Barrier and Mechanical Properties

The main objective of this study is to reinforce the mechanical strength and water resistance abilities of sago starch biopolymer by incorporating ZnO nanofillers. The biopolymer based nanocomposite films were cast utilizing different weight percentages of ZnO nanofillers (0, 1, 3 or 5 wt%) in sago starch matrix through solution casting technique. Uniform dispersing of ZnO nanofillers throughout the sago starch matrix was achieved by sonication and also to prevent the formation of ZnO nanoparticles aggregates. This was to further reinforce the chemical barrier properties of the film The results illustrated that with the increase of loading of ZnO nanoparticles from 0 to 5 wt%, the tensile strength and elastic modulus improved from 0.180 to 0.980 MPa and from 3.410 to 6.401 MPa respectively for the films, attributing to the high surface to volume ratios, the high mechanical strength of ZnO nanoparticles and the strong nanofiller-matrix interfacial adhesion. The elongation at break also enhanced owing to the slippage of ZnO nanofillers and the oriented sago starch polymer which activated the shear flow of the sago starch polymer. Sago starch nanocomposites with ZnO loadings varied from 0 to 5 wt% demonstrated decreased water vapour permeability from 4.992 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 to 2.723 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1.