Structural and Dispersion Parameters of PVA-PAAm-CuNW for Optical and antibacterial applications

Abstract

The PVA-PAAm-CuNW nanocomposites were prepared by casting method at thicknesses (90) µm with different weight percentages (0.5, 1, 2 %.wt) of CuNW additives at a temperature of 70 oC. The structural, optical properties, and dispersion parameters of nanocomposites were studied. The results of the optical microscopy photos show good distribution of CuNW inside the polymer blends of the nanocomposite films. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface of PVA-PAAm-CuNW nanocomposites had a homogeneous morphology that revealed a relatively soft surface. However, as the ratio of CuNW in the polymer matrix increased, the surface's morphology changed and its roughness increased. The results of the FTIR spectrum of the nanostructure showed that all the peaks, not most of the absorbance bonds, remain at the same location of the wavenumber, refer to no chemical reaction occurred between the PVA-PAAm and CuNW, while the chemical reaction accrued between the PVA and PAAm polymers. The results of the optical properties of PVA-PAAm-CuNW nanocomposites showed that the refractive index, absorption coefficient increase with the increases the concentrations of CuNW, while the transmittance and energy gap decreased. The dispersion parameters such as; Eo, Ed, no, εα, M−1, M−3 were calculated using the Wemple–DiDomenico model. The value of the energy gap estimated by Wemple–DiDomenico calculations was consistent with the value of the optical energy gap obtained from Tauc relation. From the studied properties, the prepared films were suitable for optical devices and antibacterial application.