Chitosan-ZnO Nanocomposites Assessed by Dielectric, Mechanical, and Piezoelectric Properties

Abstract

The aim of this work is to structurally characterize chitosan-zinc oxide nanoparticles (CS-ZnO NPs) films in a wide range of NPs concentration (0–20 wt.%). Dielectric, conductivity, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties are assessed by using thermogravimetry, FTIR, XRD, mechanical, and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. These analyses reveal that the dielectric constant, Young’s modulus, and piezoelectric constant (d33) exhibit a strong dependence on nanoparticle concentration such that maximum values of referred properties are obtained at 15 wt.% of ZnO NPs. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 in CS-ZnO nanocomposite films with 15 wt.% of NPs (d33 = 65.9 pC/N) is higher than most of polymer-ZnO nanocomposites because of the synergistic effect of piezoelectricity of NPs, elastic properties of CS, and optimum NPs concentration. A three-phase model is used to include the chitosan matrix, ZnO NPs, and interfacial layer with dielectric constant higher than that of neat chitosan and ZnO. This layer between nanoparticles and matrix is due to strong interactions between chitosan’s side groups with ZnO NPs. The understanding of nanoscale properties of CS-ZnO nanocomposites is important in the development of biocompatible sensors, actuators, nanogenerators for flexible electronics and biomedical applications.

Chitosan‐ZnO: An Efficient and Recyclable Polymer Incorporated Hybrid Nanocatalyst to Synthesize Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and Pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones under Microwave Expedition

“…CS-ZnO NCs have been used for packaging applications, as an antibacterial agent, for supercapacitors, for fabrication and functionalization of bio-dental approaches, synthesis of membranes. [5,[31][32][33][34] Based upon this information, chitosan-based nanocomposites offer significant scientific and technological potential. There are no reports pertaining to the use of combination of Chitosan-ZnO nanocomposite as catalyst in the organic synthesis.…”

“…Chitosan‐ZnO nanocomposites have got numerous applications in the field of chemistry. CS‐ZnO NCs have been used for packaging applications, as an antibacterial agent, for supercapacitors, for fabrication and functionalization of bio‐dental approaches, synthesis of membranes [5,31–34] . Based upon this information, chitosan‐based nanocomposites offer significant scientific and technological potential.…”

“…[4] The synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticals particularly zinc oxide nanocomposites (NCs) is an emerging research area in nanotechnology. [5][6][7] Over the years, synthesis of nanomaterials and NCs has been of great concern but there is an increasing need for the advancement of more efficient, facile and environmentally benign methods. [8] NCs have an additional advantages like high thermal stability, high surface area, smaller in size and non-toxic; hence, they have been widely used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions.…”

“…Accumulation of nanoparticles over the surface of biopolymers is a leading area of research due to their potential applications in electronic devices, sensing, catalysis and bio‐medicalsciences [4] . The synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticals particularly zinc oxide nanocomposites (NCs) is an emerging research area in nanotechnology [5–7] . Over the years, synthesis of nanomaterials and NCs has been of great concern but there is an increasing need for the advancement of more efficient, facile and environmentally benign methods [8] .…”

Facile Synthesis of La- and Chitosan-Doped CaO Nanoparticles and Their Evaluation for Catalytic and Antimicrobial Potential with Molecular Docking Studies

“… 16 Chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer containing NH 2 and OH side groups, may encompass CaO NPs by hydrogen bonding and generate nanocomposites with novel properties. 17 …”