Effect of UV radiation on the optical properties of PANI-Cu/PC and PANI-Cu/PC-PBT nanocomposites

Abstract

Polyaniline-copper/Polycarbonate (PANI-Cu/PC) and polyaniline-copper/Polycarbonate-polyester (PANI-Cu/PC-PBT) nanocomposites (NCPs) were fabricated using chemical oxidative and casting techniques. The morphology of the prepared NCPs was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The optical absorption spectra of these NCP samples have been recorded in the wavelength range 250–850 nm at room temperature. Optical parameters such as Urbach energy (E_u), optical bandgap (E_g), refractive index (n), real (ϵ^′) and imaginary (ϵ^″) parts of complex permittivity have been evaluated. The induced modifications in the optical properties of the UV irradiated NCPs have been studied as a function of UV fluence. The values of optical bandgap of the blank PANI-Cu/PC and PANI-Cu/PC-PBT NCP samples were found to be 3.92 and 3.86 eV, respectively. These values decreased to 3.57 and 3.08 eV upon raising the UV fluence up to 120 J/cm² due the dominance of crosslinking that destroys crystallinity and increases the amorphous phase. This was associated with an increase in Urbach energy, refractive index and dielectric constant. The obvious reduction in the optical bandgap of the UV irradiated PANI-Cu/PC-PBT NCPs makes it of great interest in optoelectronic devices applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• optical properties
• dielectric parameters
• UV radiation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. A. Nouh

Prof S. A. Nouh, Prof of radiation physics since 2005, Physics department, Faculty of science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. The head of radiation physics unit that deals with the modification of the physical properties of polymer and polymer nanocomposite materials, improving its performance in dosimetery and industrial fields. Member in the Egyptian Universities promotion Committees up to 2015. Honoring by the Egyptian prime ministers, 1992 & 2002, as an excellent researcher.

M. ME. Barakat

Dr M. ME. Barakat, Assistant Professor in Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt. PhD in physics from Alexandria University, 2012. She is interested in research in the field of superconductivity and nanostructures.

Renu Gupta

Dr Renu Gupta is an assistant professor in Department of physics, kurukshetra university, kurukshetra. She received her PhD in Physics from kurukshetra University in 2013. Her current research interests include material science, polymers, nanoscience and material modification by ion implantation.

K. Benthami

Dr K. Benthami, PhD in Applied Physics, Faculty of sciences University of Moulay Ismail, Morocco, 2011, works in the field of the use of ionizing and non ionizing radiations in modifying the physical properties of polymer and polymer nanocomposite materials to be suitable candidate for industrial and dosimeteric applications.

Radiyah A. Bahareth

Dr Radiyah A. Bahareth, Associate professor, College of Science, Jeddah University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PhD in physics, 2004. Associate professor 2015, from physics department, Girls College of Education, King Abdel Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The field of research is the radiation effects on polymer and polymer nanocomposites for the application in industry.