Utilization of copper sulphide nanoparticles for the development of cashew tree gum/ chitin biopolymer blend nanocomposites

Abstract

This work focused on the preparation of biopolymer blend nanocomposites from chitin (CT) and cashew tree gum (CTG) with different contents of copper sulphide nanoparticles (CuS) by solution casting method. The formation of nanocomposites have been characterized by FT infrared (FTIR), UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and impedance analysis. The characteristic absorption of nanoparticles in the FTIR spectra and shift in UV spectra of blend composites revealed the strong interaction between CuS nanoparticles and the polar segments of CT/CTG blend. With the increase in dosage of nanoparticles, a decrease in amorphous domains has been noted in the XRD scans. The uniform distribution of nanoparticles in CT/CTG network has been confirmed by the SEM analysis. HRTEM of the blend composites reveals the formation of hemispherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 15–30 nm. The glass transition temperature of blend composites increased with the addition of nano-CuS in the polymer matrix. Compared to the pure CT/CTG blend, the prepared nanocomposite showed higher thermal stability. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and hardness of the blend nanocomposites were greatly enhanced by the reinforcement of CuS into the CT/CTG matrix. The AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites increased with the concentration of fillers and the magnitude of these properties was higher than the pure polymer blend.

Enhanced optical and electrical properties of CeO2NPs/chitosan nanocomposites

“…Evaluating the physical characteristics of such biopolymer nanocomposites is necessary for particular applications. CuS NPs reinforced chitosan show enhanced thermal stability, dielectric constant, ac conductivity, and mechanical characteristics [14]. Fe 2 O 3 NPs loaded to chitosan introduced improved thermal, optical, and dynamic mechanical properties, as reported in our previous work [15].…”

In situ emulsion polymerization of poly (vinyl acetate) and asparagus racemosus biopolymer composites for flexible energy storage applications

“…Moreover, the filler‐polymer interaction at the interface, the size and nature of the fillers, and the free volume developed within the composite are all important factors in determining the T g value. [ 29 ] As a result, the increase in T g values for the prepared composites indicated strong adhesion between the PVAc and filler interfaces.…”

High performance biopolymer blend nanocomposites derived from cashew gum/polyvinyl alcohol/boehmite for flexible electronic devices

“…[1][2][3] Among the vast varieties of biopolymers, exudate gums have piqued the interest of academics in recent years due to their diverse applications, primarily in the food sector as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening agents. 4,5 Cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) are aboriginal of Brazil, but they are now widely planted in India. Cashew industries are mainly concentrated on nuts, which have a high commercial value.…”