Aspects of structural, optical properties, and relaxation in (BiFeO3 or NaTiO3)-PMMA: Hybrid films for dielectric applications

Perovskite-polymer hybrids are fascinating materials combining improved physical properties with a flexibility that make them very suitable for electric and optoelectronic devices and applications. In the present work, nano-sized BiFeO3 and NaTiO3 were mixed with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by solution casting to obtain transparent nanocomposite films. The structural properties, interactions between the film constituents as well as film thickness were evaluated by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The composite films were nonporous of semicrystalline nature. The NaTiO3 interacted strongly with PMMA molecules than BiFeO3. Nano-filler incorporation narrowed the optical bandgap significantly while maintaining a reasonably high transmittance. The dielectric constant of composite films was higher than that of pure polymer maintaining a low dielectric loss. The effect of these perovskites on the dielectric modulus, relaxation, and ac conductivity were discussed. The prepared composites are suitable for integral thin film capacitors, electric stress control devices, and bio-engineering systems.

Automated summary

Perovskite-polymer hybrids, prepared by mixing nano-sized BiFeO3 and NaTiO3 with PMMA through solution casting, exhibit improved physical properties and flexibility suitable for various electric and optoelectronic applications. Characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and SEM-EDS were used to evaluate the structural properties, interactions, and thickness of the composite films. The incorporation of nano-fillers narrowed the optical bandgap while maintaining high transmittance, making these composite films suitable for thin film capacitors and bio-engineering systems.