Study the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on Physical properties of Biopolymer blend

Abstract

Abstract Chitosan (CH) / Poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP-co-VAc) (7:3) blend [CH/(PVP-co-VAc)] reinforced with two types of nanoparticle of titanium oxide TiO2 (type I & II) were prepared by solution casting method. The nanocomposites prepared with different concentrations (1, 2, 3.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) wt%. The tests carried out were AFM, FTIR, Tensile strength, Thermal conductivity measurement, and Weight gain. The results of the AFM test showed that the roughness of the surface decreased with the addition of a small amount of nanoparticles (1 wt.%) to the CH/(PVP-co-VAc) blend. FTIR results for blend film indicates a significant degree of composition between (PVP-co-VAc) and CH molecules. Nanocomposite films indicate that the composition among polymer blends and Nano are associated with changes in intensity, shape, and position of modes. The mechanical properties of chitosan were enhanced by the addition of TiO2 nanoparticle with significant increases in tensile strength (from 47.87 MPa to 64.95 ~ 70 MPa). Because interfacial bonding and homogenous distribution between the nanoparticles and the blend were supportive of markedly improved mechanical strength. The results of thermal conductivity and water absorption showed that the highest values were achieved in the polymer blend (CH/[PVP-co-VAc]), whereas its decrease with the increase of the nanoparticle incorporation.