Abstract

Semiconductor SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using standard route and the effect of these nanoparticle doping on
structural, optical, electrical, and thermal properties of the poly vinyl alcohol-poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVA-PVP) polymer blend
has been investigated using various techniques. Pure and PVA-PVP/SnO2 nanocomposites films were prepared using solution
casting technique. The Fourier transform infrared study shows that the SnO2 nanoparticle interacts with the OH group of PVA
and carboxylic group of PVP and forms the complex within the blend matrix. The optical study shows that the absorption in
the ultraviolet region and transparence in the visible region. From electrical conductivity measurements, it is clear that doping
and hence the complex formation enhances the conductivity of the composite. The thermogravimetric analysis results reflect
that the doping also affects the thermal properties of the composite. The scanning electron microscope images show that the
nanoparticles embedded within the polymer blend matrix are of spherical in shape and the surface morphology of the composite
films (roughness) increases with addition of SnO2 nanoparticles. Hence, this study shows that SnO2 nanoparticle doping forms
the complex and the presence of these complexes affects the optical, thermal, electrical, and structural properties of the blend
composite.