Preparation and characterization of poly(vinylpyrrolidone)/Zirconium oxide hybrids by using inorganic nanocrystals

Abstract

Hybridization of amphiphilic polymer and inorganic nunocrystal was examined aiming for improvement of thermal and optical properties of the organic polymer used. Optically transparent and homogeneous hybrids of poly(vioyloyrrlidone) (PVP) and zirconium oxide nanocrystals (ZrO2-NCr) were prepared through a water-methanol solution. Hydrogen bonding interactions between amide groups of PVP' and Zr-OH groups from ZrO2-NC were confirmed in the hybrids obtained. Thermal properties of the hybrids were improved with an increase of the ZrO2-NC content. In this research. ZrO2- NCs in PVP matrix showed fine dispersion state. As expected, refractive index of the hybrids increased with ZrO2-NC concentration and the refractive index variations follow the Lorent/-Lorenz relation. © 2008 The Society of Polymer Science, Japan.