Structural and Optical Study of Metal Oxide Filled Polymer Blend

Abstract

PVA/PVP Polymer blends filled with various concentrations of ZnO nanofillers were prepared using solvent casting technique. The FTIR and XRD studies confirm the formation of polymer nanocomposites through the interaction taking place between the nanoparticles and the polymer. The optical energy gap of the nanocomposite films decreases with increase in wt% of ZnO. The photoluminescence study reveals that the intensity of the peak is maximum for a doping concentration of 8% ZnO. The dielectric studies indicate the variation of electrical conductivity of the films with addition of ZnO. The UTM studies reveal the enhancement of mechanical strength of the blends with addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Thus physical properties of PVA/PVP blend films are enhanced upon the addition of ZnO.