Novel poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposite films containing α-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles capped with vitamin B₁: preparation, morphological, and thermal characterization

Many studies have been accomplished in the field of nanocomposite (NC) preparation to control the adhesion and spatial dispersion of nano-fillers and effect of these on attributes of the polymer matrix. In this investigation, surface modification of α-Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) was performed by vitamin B₁ (VB₁) as biodegradable and environmentally friendly modifier agent. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) NCs were prepared with several contents of modified α-Al₂O₃ NPs (3, 5, and 7 wt.%) by ultrasonication method. Then, many standard techniques were used to study the properties of NC films. The results demonstrated that PVC/α-Al₂O₃–VB₁ NC films had better thermal stability and stress strength properties than pure PVC. Morphology images of PVC/α-Al₂O₃–VB₁ NCs showed the good dispersion of NPs in the polymer matrix in nanometer scale. They revealed that the α-Al₂O₃ NPs have sphere-like morphology. The mechanical properties of PVC/α-Al₂O₃–VB₁ NCs were improved by adding different amounts of α-Al₂O₃–VB₁ into the matrix of PVC. Water contact angle analysis showed increase in hydrophilicity of PVC/α-Al₂O₃–VB₁ NCs.