The effect of CdO-ZnO nanoparticles addition on structural, electrical and mechanical properties of PVA films

Abstract

Cadmium oxide doped zinc oxide (CdO-ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by solution combustion technique. CdO-ZnO nano particles were used as fillers and their concentration ranged between 0.5% to 2.5% by weight in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. The effect of nano filler concentration on structural, electrical and mechanical properties was investigated. Dielectric constant values decreased upto 1.24 GHz frequency, between 1.24 to 3 GHz frequency range a slight increase in dielectric constant was observed. At frequencies above 500 kHz increase in AC conductivity and loss tangent of the polymer nanocomposites were observed. Enhanced mechanical properties were observed with increase in dopant concentration. A significant increase of 152.65% in film toughness, 113.58% increase in elastic modulus and 83.10% increase in ultimate tensile strength was observed at 2.5 wt% concentration of CdO-ZnO in PVA film as compared to pristine PVA film, which makes CdO-ZnO a desirable reinforcing material for nanocomposites.