Significant Enhanced Optical Parameters of PVA-Y2O3 Polymer Nanocomposite Films

In our present work, PVA-Y2O3 nanocomposite films were prepared based on solution casting technique. The structures of the nanocomposite films were examined by XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. From the XRD analysis, it is found that the films are semi-crystalline and Y2O3 nanoparticles have cubic crystal structure. The average crystal size estimated via Scherer formula was 25 nm while W-H plot method gives 28 nm. FTIR spectra of all nanocomposite films exhibited good interaction between nano-Y2O3 and the PVA network. The morphological images obtained from SEM microscopy indicated good distribution of nano-Y2O3. Optical absorption spectra of the films enhanced with the incorporation of Y2O3. As the percentage of Y2O3 added increased, the direct optical energy gap, decreased from 5.42 to 5.31 eV. While the static refractive index, dispersion energy, third order optical susceptibility, nonlinear refractive index and optical conductivity increased.

Automated summary

The PVA-Y2O3 nanocomposite films prepared in the study showed good structure and uniform distribution of Y2O3 nanoparticles, with optical properties changing with the increase of Y2O3 content.