In a groundbreaking development, researchers have successfully crafted a biodegradable nanocomposite film that possesses remarkable mechanical properties and optical activity, making it a prime candidate for use in stretchable optical devices such as flexible displays and organic LED screens.
Polymers have become an integral part of our daily lives, yet specific engineering applications necessitate highly flexible and optically active polymers. To address this demand, scientists have been exploring various methodologies to enhance the properties of polymeric materials through the integration of suitable nanomaterials. These nanomaterials are known to augment polymer properties while preserving their inherent characteristics.
One of the most extensively studied synthetic biodegradable polymers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), is renowned for its excellent film-forming capabilities and mechanical properties. Furthermore, its optical and mechanical attributes can be fine-tuned through the incorporation of suitable nanomaterials.
A research team hailing from the physical sciences division of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, a distinguished autonomous institute in North-East India under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has achieved a significant milestone. They have successfully manufactured a biodegradable PVA-CuO nanocomposite film utilizing a straightforward solution casting technique. Copper salt serves as the precursor for in-situ CuO nanoparticle formation during distinct heat treatment processes.
Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, leads this pioneering research group, with Mr. Saiyad Akhirul Ali serving as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Rigorous testing has underscored the nanocomposite films’ exceptional optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties when subjected to various heat treatment regimens. The presence of CuO nanoparticles within the polymer matrix during heat treatment is substantiated by an array of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The assessment of mechanical properties has further validated the creation of a highly pliable and robust nanocomposite film, boasting an impressive tensile strength of up to 39 MPa and an extraordinary flexibility of 169%, achieved through the incorporation of copper chloride.
This revolutionary PVA-CuO nanocomposite film, produced through a simple solution casting technique followed by heat treatment, holds immense potential as a stretchable optical device. Its multifaceted capabilities pave the way for innovations in flexible displays, flexible organic LED screens, and a wide range of optical applications, heralding a new era of stretchable and adaptable optical technology.
