Comprehensive enhancement of PVC nanocomposites through Al₂O₃ for advanced optoelectronics

With the rapid advancement of elastic and translucent optoelectronics, the demand for low-cost materials has emerged as a major research topic. As a result, this paper investigated how Al₂O₃ incorporation altered the properties of PVC. New PVC/xAl₂O₃ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07, 0.1, 0.2 wt%) nanocomposites were manufactured by using a cost-effective and simple process (casting method) to adjust the Al₂O₃ concentration. The PVC/xAl₂O₃ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.07, 0.1, 0.2 wt%) nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy, and impedance measurements. Dislocation density (δ), Distortion parameter (g), nanoparticle size (D), and lattice strain (ε) were assessed using the Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods. Crystal size and the number of crystallites were observed to increase with Al₂O₃ content, revealing the higher crystallinity in the material. It was found that the particle size was ~ 30.22 nm for PVC/xAl₂O₃ (x = 0.1wt%). SEM analysis showed a consistent distribution of Al₂O₃ within the PVC at low concentrations of Al₂O₃. These PVC/Al₂O₃ films were used as adjustable light- diffusing films in the packaging of different flexible photoelectric devices, according to their visible absorbance characteristic depending on filler concentrations. The optical bandgaps of PVC and PVC/x(Al₂O₃) (where x = 0.2) were 5.05 eV and 3 eV, respectively. This decrease was associated with the creation of localized states in the bandgap. The refractive index values obtained were greater than those found in earlier studies, suggesting that the incorporation of a small amount of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles improved the refractive index of PVC. It was noted that as the concentration of Al₂O₃ rose, the dispersion parameters E_d, M_2, and M₃ showed an increase, while E₀ exhibited a decrease. Conversely, the dielectric characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposites improved as the alumina content in the PVC matrix increased. The findings concluded that inexpensive PVC/xAl₂O₃(x = 0.1wt%) nanocomposites can be used as an essential component in sophisticated optoelectronic applications.