Preparation and characterization of reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) films by a nanostructured, chiral, L-leucine based poly(amide-imide)/ZrO2 nanocomposite through a green method
Abstract
In the present investigation, at first, the surface of ZrO2 nanoparticles was modified with a bioactive and biocompatible diacid based on leucine amino acid as a coupling agent. The grafting of diacid on the surface of ZrO2 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Then, the synthesis of poly(amide-imide)/ZrO2 nanocomposite (PAI/ZrO2 NC) was performed through ultrasonic technique. The obtained NCs demonstrated good thermal stability. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the average diameter of NP was around 15–20 nm. Finally, the resulting NC, was used as a nano-filler and was incorporated into the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in order to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. The PVA/PAI–ZrO2 NC films were characterized by different techniques. The data indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of the PVA/PAI–ZrO2 NC were enhanced. It was attributed to the good dispersion of filler into the PVA matrix as a result of hydrogen bonding.