Novel Flexible Glass Composite Film for Stretchable Devices Applications

Herein, PEO/Al@SiO2 core-shell polymer nanocomposite (CSPNC) was synthesized through the casting route. The product obtained was evidenced using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and SEM/EDS techniques. XRD patterns confirmed the semicrystalline nature of the as-synthesized film. FTIR absorption spectra confirmed the functional groups of the CSPNC film. FESEM revealed uniform polymer networks and a spherical-like shape of the bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles (BCSNPs), with average diameters ranging from 30.47 to 36.38 nm in size for the Al core and 278.55 to 428.73 nm in size for the SiO2 shell. EDS analysis revealed the presence of C, O, Al, and Si elements. All the optical coefficients were enhanced upon CSPNC loading. The reduced bandgap (direct and indirect) values of the CSPNC's film as compared to that of PEO polymer demonstrated a significant structural disorder of the PEO functional groups, which explains the localized state creation that helped the transition of electrons. The product's dielectric properties were significantly improved, and the resistance values were changed from 180 M omega to 35 M omega in the 100 Hz-5 MHz frequency range. Ultimately, the synthesized CSPNC is recommended for use in the fabrication of stretchable optoelectronic devices.