Novel polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposites with dispersed poly(amide-imide)/nano-ZrO2 as new nano-filler: morphology, thermal and optical properties

In this paper, ultrasonic technique and a biocompatible coupling agent were used for the surface modification of ZrO₂ nanoparticles (NPs). The grafting of N-trimellitylimido-l-leucine as bioactive and biocompatible coupling agent on the surface of ZrO₂ NPs was confirmed by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Subsequently, the modified NPs were incorporated into the poly(amide-imide) (PAI) matrix through good dispersion. Therefore, poly(amide-imide)/nano-ZrO₂ nanocomposite (PAI/nano-ZrO₂) was synthesized via ultrasonic technique. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images of the obtained PAI/nano-ZrO₂ illustrated nanostructured morphology. Then, PAI/nano-ZrO₂ was used as a nano-filler and was embedded into the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in various weight percent to form PVP NCs to improve its properties. These NCs were investigated by different analyses. Change in the results of analysis when compared to the pure PVP confirmed that there are good interactions between nano-filler and the PVP matrix as a result of hydrogen bonding. The thermal stability of the PVP was enhanced with the addition of small amounts of nano-filler. Also, the incorporation of the PAI/nano-ZrO₂ influenced the UV–Vis absorption of the pure PVP.