Fabrication and characterization of novel polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposites having SiO2 nanoparticles modified with citric acid and L(+)-ascorbic acid

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a synthetic polymer with high physiological compatibility, so incorporation a non-toxic nano-fller within the PVP as the polymer matrix to prepare novel nanocomposites (NC) s leads to bio-safe products for different applications. Therefore, silica nanoparticle (SNP) was chosen as an appropriate nano-filer to insert in the PVP matrix. Surface modification of SNPs was performed to prevent them from agglomeration and make them more compatible with the PVP matrix. Citric acid and vitamin C are two biological molecules which were used as modifiers. After surface treating of SNPs, different weight percentages (3, 5 and 7) of modified SNPs (M-silica) were added to the PVP and PVP/SiO2 NCs were prepared. The prepared NCs were examined using several techniques. The FESEM and TEM observations showed good compatibility of M-silica with the PVP matrix. From histogram diagrams the average particle size of M-silica in PVP matrix was estimated 30-40 nm. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.