Using Green Process for the Synthesis of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/α-Al2O3-Thiamine Nanocomposite: Thermal, Mechanical, Contact Angle, and Morphological Studies

ABSTRACT

Hydrophilic surface of α-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles was treated with thiamine as a green modifier for better compatibility with poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix. In this regard, poly(vinyl alcohol)/α-Al₂O₃-vitamin B₁ nanocomposites with different ratios of modified α-Al₂O₃ (3, 5, and 7 wt%) were prepared through ultrasonic irradiation and their properties were compared with the pure poly(vinyl alcohol). Many techniques were used to study the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/α-Al₂O₃-vitamin B₁ nanocomposites. Morphology images of poly(vinyl alcohol)/α-Al₂O₃-vitamin B₁ nanocomposites showed the good dispersion of the α-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix in nanometer-scale. The results demonstrated that poly(vinyl alcohol)/α-Al₂O₃-vitamin B₁ nanocomposites give better thermal stability, strain, and E-modulus than the pure poly(vinyl alcohol.