Bioengineered ZnO-Enhanced CS-based nanocomposites: synergistic tuning of dielectric, electrical, and surface properties for Next-Gen flexible electronics
摘要
This research involved the successful creation of innovative nanocomposites through a combination of chitosan (CS) and a fluorinated new polymethacrylate derivative poly(2-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trifluoroanilino)ethyl-2-methylprop-2-enoate) (POTFAMA), which were then reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced through biosynthesis, all fabricated using a hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and dielectric characteristics of the POTFAMA-CS/ZnO nanocomposites were thoroughly examined concerning varying levels of ZnO NPs loading, specifically 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses revealed that the ZnO NPs were successfully integrated into the polymer blend without affecting its chemical composition. Dielectric analyses showed that increasing the content of ZnO NPs boosted the dielectric constant from about 5.8 to 6.7, resulting in decreased dielectric loss, which suggests enhanced polarization and reduced energy dissipation. The impedance measurements revealed a substantial reduction in the electrical resistance, where the impedance at low frequencies (1000 Hz) decreased from 3.5 × 106 ohms at 3% ZnO NPs to 2.9 × 106 ohms at 7% ZnO NPs. Conversely, the admittance values increased from 3.1 × 10−7 S to 3.6 × 10−7 S. Furthermore, the AC conductivity (σac) also showed a notable increase, rising from 1.8 × 10⁻⁸ S/m for 3% ZnO NPs to 4.5 × 10⁻⁸ S/m for 7% ZnO NPs at a frequency of 10³ hertz. The surface free energy measurements showed a steady rise from 45.54 mN/m to 47.76 mN/m with increasing ZnO NPs loading, underscoring the enhanced surface polarity and wettability. The POTFAMA-CS/ZnO nanocomposites demonstrate exceptional dielectric performance, improved electrical conductivity, and desirable surface properties, rendering them potential materials for energy storage systems, flexible electronic devices, sensor-based technologies, and biomedical coating applications.