The use of ZnO nanoparticles in the fabrication of PVA (Mowiol 4-88) nanocomposites with different ‘x’ filling compositions through solvent casting technique leading to the enrichment of the host's physical properties is presented. The sol-gel approach synthesizes Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles of size 100 nm was confirmed through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) techniques. The XRD technique determines the appearance of nanocomposites and their structural properties. The improvement in filling concentration enhances the particle size up to 150 nm and percentage crystallinity by 41 % for optimum filler composition. The FTIR spectra demonstrate ZnO nanofillers' binding with OH group of host Mowiol 4-88 through intra or inter hydrogen bonding leading to a complex conformation. The optical studies indicate a decrease in the energy gap with the rise in filler composition up to 15 wt%, and frequency-dependent dielectric constant characterization shows the enhancement in the dielectric constant with an optimum filling concentration 15 wt% ZnO nanofillers. FESEM image confirms homogenous distribution and complex particle size of incorporated ZnO nanoparticles in the PVA matrix.
HIGHLIGHTS
ZnO nanoparticles with Fabrication of PVA (Mowiol 4-88) nanocomposites through solvent casting technique
ZnO nanoparticles of size 100 nm was confirmed
Filling concentration enhances the particle size and percentage crystallinity
SEM and EDS illustrate ZnO nanofiller’s systematic distribution
Dielectric measurements show that these fabricated polymeric composites are polar
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Electrical transport and optical studies of ferromagnetic cobalt doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibiting a metal–insulator transition