Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and vitamin B1-modified TiO2 and evaluation of the optical, mechanical, and thermal properties

The surface of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) was modified by biosafe vitamin B-1 to prevent their aggregation. Then, it was dispersed into the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix under ultrasonic irradiation and nanocomposite (NC) films were prepared using solution casting technique. The prepared NC films were characterized by different analysis such as UV-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), water contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, mechanical tensile test, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. UV-visible spectra of NCs showed absorption enhancement compared to the pure PVA; therefore, these NCs can be used for the photodegradation of the organic pollutant. TGA results indicated that the incorporation of the modified TiO2 NPs in the PVA matrix can improve its thermal stability. Water contact angle measurement showed an increase in the hydrophilicity of PVA NC films, compared to the pure PVA. E-modulus increased considerably for all NCs in comparison to the pure PVA matrix.