Affiliation:
1. Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Polymer Science, University of Mysore, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Post-Graduate Centre, Tubinakere, Mandya-571402, India
Abstract
Insertion of metal-oxide nanoparticles to polymers stipulate the modification of physical properties of
polymers over and above the accomplishment of new features in the polymer matrix. In the current
study, an attempt was made to disperse the CuO nanoparticles in the polyvinyl alcohol and
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blend to investigate the structural, mechanical and optical
properties of the nanocomposite. Blend was prepared in different ratios using PVA and HPMC, viz.
25:50, 50:50 and 75:25 wt%. The CuO nanoparticles were added to the 75:25 PVA:HPMC blend in
different percentage like 0.5,1 and 1.5%. The polymer with and without CuO incorporation were
subjected to X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy,
UV-visible spectral analyses and mechanical strength, etc. The results revealed that the incorporation
of the CuO nanoparticles enhanced the structural and mechanical properties of the polymer by forming
successful nanocomposite.
Publisher
Asian Journal of Chemistry