Abstract
Nanocomposite samples of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) blend filled with different concentrations of cupper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were prepared via the casting route. The components of the blend were miscible as shown by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR measurements. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) image showed that the Cu NPs have diameters in the range from 4.09 to 19.65 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the complexation between polymeric matrix and Cu NPs through the formation of hydrogen and coordination bonds. Ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis.) spectra showed an improvement in the optical features for the filled samples. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs indicted the smooth and homogeneous surface of nanocomposite samples, reflecting the homogeneity of this blend that was affected after the filling process. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve displayed that the pure blend had a single glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating that the blend components were miscible. Also, DSC exhibited an improvement in the thermal stability of the polymeric matrix after the addition of Cu NPs. The AC conductivity was increased with increasing content of Cu NPs. The highest value of AC conductivity for the pristine sample was 4.57 × 10−8 S/cm at 20 MHz that was increased to 3.71 × 10-6 S/cm for nanocomposite (1.60 wt % Cu NPs) at room temperature due to the increase of charge carrier number. The complex permittivity (ε*) and electric modulus spectra were also studied. At high frequency, the decreasing trend of permittivity was attributed to dipoles orientation. The VSM studies of filled samples depicted the hysteresis loops of the ferromagnetic characteristics. These results denote that PEO/CMC/Cu NPs films can be used in electromagnetic components, energy storage devices as well as in magneto-optical fields.
•PEO/CMC-Cu nanocomposites sample was successfully prepared by casting method.•XRD show the crystallinity degree decrease with increase of Cu nanoparticles.•The optical parameters were improved after doping Cu NPs.•AC electrical conductivity measurements of the samples were increased after doping of Cu nanoparticles.•The complex dielectric permittivity (M*) was decreased with increase Cu content.