Effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the dielectric and electromagnetic shielding performance of PVA/POM hybrid nanocomposites

ABSTRACT

Metal oxide-infused polymer composites with higher dielectric constants are emerging as compelling solutions for effective Electromagnetic Interference shielding (EMIS) applications. In this work, hybrid polymer blends were made of polyoxy methane (POM) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), using the conventional solution casting method. This study investigated the dielectric properties of the polymer blend by adding different concentrations (1 to 4 wt.%) of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanofillers that are synthesized via combustion technique with egg albumen. It is evident from the crystallite size of the TiO₂ nanoparticles that the egg albumen not only acted as a fuel but also acted as a capping agent in preventing the agglomeration of the particles thereby controlling the size. Increased nanofiller decreased the crystallinity of the polymer blend. The composite with 3 wt.% TiO₂ exhibits the highest dielectric constant (1385) and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Further, the developed hybrid nanocomposites exhibit excellent shielding effectiveness in the frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz. The uniqueness of this study lies in the cost-effective preparation of nanocomposites with a very less concentration of TiO₂ nanoparticles. These nanocomposite films could be a potential replacement for films infused with carbon black, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and nickel oxide nanofillers, etc.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Biodegradable polymers
• electrical studies
• green synthesis
• hybrid nanocomposites

Acknowledgments

This work is funded by Researcher supporting project number (RSPD2024R680), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure statement

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

Author Contribution

All the authors have equally contributed to the research article.

Data availability statement

Research data are not shared.

Additional information

Funding

This work is funded by Researcher supporting project number [RSPD2024R680], King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Notes on contributors

M. Eugine Prince

M. Eugine Prince is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil (affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli).

K. Tamilarasi

K. Tamilarasi is a Doctoral Scholar in the Department of Physics at Physics Research Centre of S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil (affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli).

Senthil Muthu Kumar Thiagamani

Dr. Senthil Muthu Kumar Thiagamani is currently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamil Nadu, India. His research interests are polymer composites and their characterizations. He has authored 110+ research articles indexed in WoS and Scopus. Apart from this he has also authored 45 book chapters and edited 13 research books with reputed publishing houses like Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Wiley and Springer. He is serving as Editorial Board Member in the journals viz., Journal of Research Update in Polymer Science and ARAI Journal of Mobility Technology. He also serves as a Guest Editor for a Topical Issue in the Frontiers in Materials journal.

Mohamed Hashem

Dr. Mohamed Hashem is a Full Professor in the Department of Dental Health, King Saud University. He works in nano-materials and dental materials.

Hassan Fouad

Dr. Hassan Fouad is a Professor of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. His research interests are biomaterials and bone tissue engineering.

AbuZar Ansari

Dr. AbuZar Ansari works in the Department of Obstetrics and Gyenocology, Ewha Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Ewha Womens University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.