CuO and MWCNTs Nanoparticles Filled PVA-PVP Nanocomposites: Morphological, Optical, Dielectric, and Electrical Characteristics

Abstract

Copper dioxide (CuO) nanoparticles and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-filled poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blend matrix (50/50 wt%)-based polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) have been prepared employing the solution-cast method. The X-ray diffraction explores the semicrystalline morphologies of these PNCs. The FTIR, SEM, and AFM measurements of PNCs expose the development of the miscible mix, polymer-polymer and polymer-nanoparticle interactions, and the influence of CuO and MWCNTs nanofillers on the morphology aspects on the main chain of PVA/PVP blend. The nanofiller loading for x = 14 wt% in the PVA–PVP blend matrix significantly enhances the crystalline phase, diminishing the optical energy gap to 2.31 eV. The DC conductivity is found to be maximum for x = 14 wt% loading concentration. The dielectric and electrical characteristics of these PNCs are investigated for an applied frequency range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The dielectric permittivity values increase substantially, owing to the decrease in the nano-confinement phenomenon at low frequency. The rise in applied frequency reduces dielectric permittivity and impedance values and enhances AC electrical conductivity. These PNCs having good dielectric and electrical characteristics can be used as frequency tunable nano-dielectric material in electronic devices.