Metal oxides dispersed polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites

Synthesis of polymeric nanocomposites is an integral aspect of polymer nanotechnology and dispersion of nanometeric inorganic compounds into the polymer improves the property of polymers, promises number of applications. In this report we have developed a route to synthesize metal oxides dispersed polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites (PVA-γ-Fe₂O₃, PVA-NiO, PVA-ZnO and PVA-CuO) by solvent casting method. This synthetic route is known for its simplicity and less time-consumption. Increase in crystallinity of amorphous polyvinyl alcohol and decrease in crystallinity of inserted metal oxides was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Formation of composites was confirmed by the change in morphology of nanocomposites compared to inserted metal oxides nanoparticles by scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Bonding nature between metal oxide and polymer is understood by using Infrared (IR) technique. Additional frequencies and shift in frequencies were found in polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite spectrum compared to PVA indicating formation of composites. Thermal behavior of PVA and its nanocomposites are studied by Differential Scanning Caloriemetry (DSC), shows increase in thermal stability of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites compared to virgin PVA.