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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Gamma Irradiation Effects on Structural and Optical Properties of PVA/Al₂O₃/TiC Polymer Nanocomposites for Optoelectronic Applications

  1. Shivanand Mendigeri Department of Physics, Kuvempu University, Jnanasahyadri, Shankargatta
  2. K Leela Kumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology (A), Besides VSEZ, Vadlapudi Duvvada, Visakhapatnam
  3. Devidas G B Department of Physics, Kuvempu University, Jnanasahyadri, Shankargatta
  4. Ravikiran Y T Department of Physics, Government First Grade College, Holalkere
  5. Suryanarayana P.S. Kornu Department of Basic Science & Humanities, Aditya Institute of Technology and Management (A), Tekkali, Srikakulam

Abstract

PVA/TiC/Al2O3 nanocomposite (PTA) films were successfully prepared via the solution casting method. The impact of high-dose gamma (γ) irradiation (30 kGy) on the structural and optical properties of PVA/TiC/Al2O3 nanocomposites was systematically explored using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Visible spectroscopy. XRD analysis confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the nanocomposites, which was found to decrease upon incorporation of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles and exposure to γ-radiation. FTIR spectra revealed significant interactions and modifications among the functional groups of the host matrix and the embedded TiC and Al2O3 nano-fillers both before and after irradiation. UV–Vis measurements indicated that the refractive index increased as a result of Al2O3 incorporation and radiation treatment. Detailed analysis of the optical dispersion parameters further demonstrated the combined effect of nano-filler loading and γ- irradiation. These results highlight the potential of using nano-fillers and controlled radiation doses to finely tune the structural and optical characteristics of PVA-based nanocomposite films, making them promising candidates for applications in photocatalysis, sensing technologies, and optoelectronic devices.

Keywords

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