Dielectric properties of PEO–PVP–MMT nanocomposite hydrocolloids

The relative complex dielectric function, electric modulus, alternating current electrical conductivity and complex impedance behaviour of aqueous poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) blend with montmorillonite (MMT) clay nano-platelets as colloidal suspensions have been investigated over the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz at 15, 30 and 45 °C. The direct current ionic conductivity and real part of permittivity of the hydrocolloids have increased whereas electrode polarization relaxation time has decreased with the increase of MMT concentration, and these dielectric parameters have significantly varied with change of the temperature. The hydrogen bond complex formation between PEO, PVP and dispersed MMT nano-platelets in aqueous solutions has been discussed. The correlation between complex structures and the dielectric parameters of these materials have been confirmed.