Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-Friendly CMC/Maghemite Nanocomposite Films

Abstract

Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were prepared and then incorporated in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymers using a simple casting method to prepare multifunctional nanocomposite films. The properties of CMC/maghemite nanocomposites were ascertained through several analytical techniques. The intervention of maghemite nanofillers resulted in the adaptability of the structural, optical, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. Comprehensive investigations of the band structure were achieved through theoretical models, such as Tauc’s model and the Wemple–DiDomenico model. Increasing the content of the maghemite nanoparticles can decrease the absorption edge and both the direct and indirect energy gaps, as well as increase the band tails of the CMC polymer. Simple formulae for the index of refraction and the real part of the dielectric constant were obtained for materials whose extinction coefficient is sufficiently small. Maghemite nanofiller was found to effectively increase the index of refraction and improve the dispersion. The possibility of investigating the energy band structure with the imaginary part of the dielectric constant was also shown.