Modulating the properties of carboxymethyl chitosan/polyethylene oxide nanocomposites with aluminium oxy hydroxide: A...

This study explores the eco-friendly synthesis of carboxymethyl chitosan/polyethylene oxide/γ-aluminium oxyhydroxide (CMCS/PEO/γ-AlOOH) nanocomposite films through a sustainable, green preparation method. The CMCS/PEO/γ-AlOOH nanocomposites were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze their structural and morphological properties. The emergence of distinct peaks of γ-AlOOH in XRD and FTIR spectra indicated the strong interaction between γ-AlOOH and the blend. Morphological analysis revealed significant changes in the surface characteristics of the pristine blend upon incorporation of γ-AlOOH. Thermogravimteric analysis (TGA) confirmed the improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed changes in the glass transition temperature proportional to the γ-AlOOH content. The nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties, exhibiting a 39.6 % increase in tensile strength at a 5 wt% γ-AlOOH loading. The temperature-dependent dielectric constant, loss tangent, AC conductivity and impedance were analyzed at varying loadings of γ-AlOOH. The 7 wt% γ-AlOOH nanocomposites showed the highest conductivity (1.23 × 10^-6 S/cm at 1 MHz) and dielectric constant (244 at 100 Hz) at ambient temperature. The CMCS/PEO/γ-AlOOH nanocomposite's superior tensile strength, thermal stability, glass transition temperature, conductivity, and dielectric constant make it a strong candidate for eco-friendly, flexible electronic devices.