Application of CuO nanoparticles modified with vitamin B1 for the production of poly(vinyl alcohol)/CuO nanocomposite films with enhanced optical, thermal and mechanical properties

In this Investigation, the CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were treated by vitamin B-1 as a biomolecule modifier. The CuO NPs were used as an appropriate filler for fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites (NCs). Then, NCs with various ratios (3, 5, and 7wt%) of modified CuO were fabricated under ultrasonic irradiation and their properties were compared with pure PVA. Several techniques were used for characterization of NCs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that NPs have proper compatibility with the PVA matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis results confirmed that NCs displayed higher thermal stability than neat PVA. Also, the addition of the NPs into the PVA matrix improved the optical and mechanical behaviors. Finally, the contact angle measurements verified that the hydrophilicity decreased for different ratios of modified NPs loaded in the polymer matrix. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.