Effect of Loading Corn Starch Nanoparticles on the Morphological, Optical, and Dielectric Behaviors of PVA/PMMA/PAAm Polymer Blend for Optoelectronic and Antibacterial Applications

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the impact of corn starch nanoparticles (CSNPs) on the morphological, optical, and dielectric behaviors of the PVA/PMMA/PAAm (PPP) hybrid polymer matrix. The resultant PPP-CS nanocomposite films were synthesized employing the solvent casting procedure. Scanning electron microscope(SEM) images of the as-synthesized films revealed the successful embedding, homogeneity, and fine dispersion of CSNPs within the host PPP. No changes in the infrared ray(IR) band positions were seen upon embedding. The absorbance-λ chart illustrated an absorption band at 220 nm with red-shift toward higher wavelengths, which points out the semi crystalline structure of PPP-CS films. The optical coefficients were improved upon inclusion of CSNPs. The optical bandgap energy reduces from 4.50 to 4.12 eV as CSNPs' weight percentage increases from 0 wt% to 4 wt%. Furthermore, the refractive index values for PPP-CS films are in the range of 0.5 and 2.5. The dielectric constants of the obtained films decreased with the increase in CSNPs, except for the conductivity. The embedding of a small amount of CSNPs into the hydrophilic matrix significantly improved the composite's bioactivity. The inhibition zone diameters of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were calculated to be 0, 26, and 32 mm for 0 wt%, 2 wt%, and 4 wt% CSNPs, respectively. The findings of this study are significant for the development of novel nanocomposite materials with antibacterial activity for optoelectronic device applications.