Fabrication and characterization of novel PCL/TiO2/Cr2O3 nanocomposites for advanced dielectric applications
摘要
This research examines the structural, thermal, and dielectric characteristics of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated notable alterations in the crystalline structure of PCL following the incorporation of TiO2 and Cr2O3, with distinct peaks of rutile TiO2 and Cr2O3 validating the successful integration of the nanoparticles. The addition of TiO2 reduced the degree of crystallinity due to steric effects, but the incorporation of Cr2O3 promoted crystallization by serving as nucleation sites. FTIR spectroscopy validated the successful incorporation of both nanoparticles into the PCL matrix, as shown by distinctive vibrational bands. The addition of TiO2 and Cr2O3 nanoparticles led to notable enhancements in thermal stability, with the breakdown temperature rising by as much as 50°C relative to pure PCL. The dielectric constant of the nanocomposites increased by up to 40% at optimal Cr2O3 concentrations (PCL/TiO2/Cr2O3-2), while preserving minimal dielectric loss. The enhancements in thermal and dielectric properties, along with the observed structural alterations, establish PCL/TiO2/Cr2O3 nanocomposites as potential candidates for advanced electronic and biological applications. The examination of electric modulus and AC conductivity revealed the existence of both electrode polarization and ionic conduction mechanisms, with relaxation events transitioning to higher frequencies with the addition of Cr2O3. The results indicate that the synthesized PCL/TiO2/ Cr2O3 nanocomposites demonstrate improved thermal stability and adjustable dielectric characteristics, positioning them as viable options for diverse electronic and biological applications.