The Role of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Enhancing the Structural Properties and Thermal Stability of PVA Nanocomposites
Authors:-Assistant Professor R.Venugopal, Associate Professor Chandana.N, Assistant Professor S.Kiran, Assistant Professor B.Srinivas
Abstract-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications. In this study, we investigated the impact of TiO2 incorporation on the structural characteristics and thermal stability of PVA-matrix-based nanocomposites. The PVA polymer nanocomposite films were prepared using a solution casting method. The structural studies of the prepared films were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the thermal properties of the prepared films were characterized by DSC, TGA and DTA. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles induces structural changes in the PVA matrix. TEM studies showed that a PVA polymer surrounds TiO2 in its entirety. The PVA-TiO2 nanostructure is the same as the structure of a core-shell nanostructure. TiO2-doped PVA nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis of the nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced resistance to thermal degradation. DSC analysis of the PVA-TiO2 nanocomposite films revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) were 141°C and 265°C, respectively, for the 8 wt.% TiO2-incorporated PVA-TiO2 nanocomposites. The TGA and DTA studies of these nanocomposites revealed that their degradation behavior follows a four-step process. In comparison to those of pure PVA, these composites exhibit a sluggish decomposition rate, suggesting that the better thermal stability of these composites can be attributed to the better interaction among the -OH functional groups of PVA and TiO2 nanoparticles. These nanocomposites hold promise for various applications, including coatings, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. The combined effects of structural reinforcement and thermal stability make these materials attractive for engineering applications.