Effect of ZnO nanofiller on dielectric and mechanical properties of PVA/PVP blend

Abstract

PVA/PVP (50/50) blends filled with various concentrations of ZnO nanofillers (0, 2,4,8,12,16 wt %) have been prepared using solvent casting technique using an ultrasonicator. The UTM results suggest that the Young's Modulus of the pure blend is 334.34 MPa and that of the blend with 16 wt% ZnO is 1623.80 MPa. The AFM studies indicate that the surface roughness of the films increased upon doping. The dielectric studies carried out using Keithley 4200-SCS Parameter Analyzer reveals that the dielectric properties of PVA/PVP blends were enhanced upon addition of ZnO nanofillers up to a concentration of 8 wt% ZnO. The dc conductivity studies carried out by Keithley 4200-SCS Parameter Analyzer reveals that the conductivity of pure blend is 2.92x10-11 S/cm and the blend consisting of 8 wt% ZnO nanofiller has a conductivity of 3.04x10-9 S/cm. There is a significant enhancement in the dielectric and mechanical properties of the blend upon the addition of ZnO nanofillers. These improvements in the properties of the blend upon the addition of ZnO nanofillers make it a suitable material for device applications.