AP0997 Effects of CuO and Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on Structural and Electrical Properties of Conjugated Polymer Blend Films

Abstract

Hybrid nanocomposite films were synthesized using a water-based casting method by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyaniline (PANI) in a 50:50 weight ratio. Copper oxide (CuO) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles, also in a 50:50 ratio, were incorporated at varying concentrations (0–10 wt.%) to enhance the properties of the films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the polymer's semi-crystalline nature became more crystalline with increasing nanoparticle concentration. FTIR spectroscopy revealed significant changes in chemical bonding, indicating strong interactions between the polymers and nanoparticles. The FE-SEM analysis clearly demonstrates the influence of nanoparticle concentration on the surface morphology with uniform surface at low concentration and transform to rougher surface with agglomeration at high concentrations. Electrical conductivity measurements demonstrated improved charge carrier mobility, enhancing the films' overall conductivity. These findings suggest that the incorporation of CuO and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles significantly improves the electrical properties of PVA/PANI composites, making them promising materials for electronic device applications.