Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Films Based on PEO/ AgNPs-PVP: Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Properties

Polymer nanocomposite films based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) and various concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared. It was found that the crystallinity degree of PEO/AgNPs films changed depending on the AgNPs content. For instance, the minimum crystallinity value was at 3 wt% of AgNPs, indicating an excellent interaction between the AgNPs and PEO chains. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite is boosted by increasing the AgNPs content in the polymer matrix. Also, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results exhibited an endothermic peak for pure PEO, while incorporating different concentrations of AgNPs reduced the melting temperature and melting enthalpy and created another exothermic peak at crystallization temperatures range (186 degrees C to 201 degrees C). Finally, the sheet resistance value of PEO/AgNPs films decreases by incorporating different AgNPs in the PEO blend in addition to a tiny gradual reduction in the bandgap energy (Eg) and substantial changes in transmittance and absorbance spectra.