Investigation on the altered properties of PVA filled magnesium oxide composite (PVA@xMgO) thin films

Nanoparticles are central to the development of novel hybrid composites for various technological applications. As a sequel, in the present investigation, 5, 10 and 15 wt% of MgO filler were, respectively, dispersed in 95, 90 and 85 wt% of PVA matrix to fabricate pore-free PVA@MgO nanocomposite films using solution casting technique. The filler MgO powder was synthesised by Starch-Assisted Combustion method. Structural, optical, thermal, mechanical, dielectric and biodegradable properties of PVA@MgO films were gauged. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) revealed the increasing amorphous nature of the PVA@MgO films on MgO loading. Interaction between -OH group of PVA with MgO through hydrogen bonding is obvious from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed homogeneous dispersion of MgO throughout the films with flower or crochet like structures. UV absorbance as well as E-g of the films increased with the increasing MgO loading. Impedance study indicated the increased ionic conductivity of the films with filler content. The real part of dielectric permittivity (epsilon ') of the films decreased with increasing frequency and increased with MgO loading in PVA matrix. Enhancement in mechanical, biodegradable and thermal properties of film is the obvious result of incorporating MgO in the PVA matrix and could increase the performance of PVA as a support base material for 3D printing industry thereby further widening the scope of PVA@MgO nanocomposites in future power electronics, optoelectronics and semiconducting devices.

Automated summary

This study investigates the fabrication of pore-free PVA@MgO nanocomposite films by dispersing MgO filler in PVA matrix using solution casting technique. The films exhibited improved structural, optical, thermal, mechanical, dielectric and biodegradable properties with increasing MgO loading. The findings suggest the potential application of these nanocomposites in future power electronics, optoelectronics and semiconducting devices.