Synthesis, Characterization, Thermal Properties and Temperature-Dependent AC Conductivity Studies of Poly (Butyl Methacrylate)/Neodymium Oxide Nanocomposites

Thermoplastic nanocomposites based on poly (butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) with various contents of neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized through one-step free radical polymerization method. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of different volume fraction of Nd(2)O(3)nanoparticles on temperature-dependent AC conductivity of polymer nanocomposites was also analysed. The FTIR and UV spectra confirmed the incorporation of Nd(2)O(3)nanoparticles in PBMA chain through the shift in characteristic absorption bands of nanocomposite compared to pure PBMA. TEM images indicated that Nd(2)O(3)nanoparticles were sheathed by PBMA chain. The SEM images revealed better compatibility between the PBMA and Nd(2)O(3)nanoparticles. The thermal transition studied by DSC showed an enhanced glass transition temperature of PBMA by the inclusion of Nd(2)O(3)nanoparticles. Similarly, the thermal degradation of the composite was elevated by the insertion of nanoparticles. The AC conductivity of nanocomposite was higher than pure PBMA and the electrical conductivity increased with the temperature and frequencies. The activation energy and exponential values of the composite revealed that the system follows small polaron hopping mechanism.

Automated summary

The addition of neodymium oxide nanoparticles enhanced the glass transition temperature and thermal degradation temperature of PBMA, while increasing the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite. The experimental results demonstrated better compatibility between the components, and the activation energy and exponential values indicated that the system follows small polaron hopping mechanism.