Reinforcement of linear/nonlinear optical and dielectric characteristics of PVC/PEG blend based on CeO<inf>2</inf>/TBAI filler

Abstract

Blended polymer nanocomposites with novel enhanced properties are gaining in popularity around the world, prompting an increase in their production. In this study, cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles were prepared via the sol–gel method and PVC/PEG/CeO2/x wt % tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) blends were prepared via the casting procedure. The influence of CeO2/TBAI doping on the structural, optical, and dielectric features of formed blends was analyzed. The structural characteristics were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. XRD shows a creation of nano CeO2 with a cubic structure and semicrystalline phase of undoped and doped PVC/PEG/CeO2/TBAI blends. SEM and EDS techniques confirm the presence of the filler in the blend matrix. The optical characteristics appeared in the modification in optical band gap from (4.27, 5.05) to (3.01, 3.84) eV for a direct optical band gap and from (4.06, 4.58) to (2.51, 3.51) eV for an indirect optical band gap. In the same way, the values of linear and nonlinear parameters of PVC/PEG blends are altered with the doping of nano CeO2/TBAI. Doped blends have higher dielectric permittivity and ac conductivity than PVC/PEG blend. The effect of doping on the emitted colors from different blends was examined under different excitation wavelengths. According to the experimental results, these films show promise for good absorbance for different types of UV spectra, and energy storage devices.