Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Chemical Structure and Composition of ZnO Nanoparticles Composite Systems / Polymer Fibers

Nanostructured systems based on ZnO nanoparticles composite systems/polymer fibers have attracted a lot of attention in the last years because of their applications in multiple areas. Nanofibres based on polymers are used in many domains such as nanocatalysis, controlled release of medicines, environmental protection and so on. This work show the synthesis of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) nanofiber useful as substrates for growing ZnO nanocrystals and that ZnO is an unorganic metal oxide nanoparticle used to improve the piezoelectric properties of the polymer. The piezoelectric propertiesof ZnO-doped polymeric was investigated with atomic force microscopy and measurements were performed, in contact technique, in piezoelectric response mode (PFM).In order to analyze the structural and textural features, the obtained materials were characterized using advanced physical-chemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The XRD patterns show the characteristic reflections of ZnO with a hexagonal type wurtzit structure and the broad peaks of the polymer. The SEM images reveal the presence of ZnO nanoparticles on top of the polymer nanofibres.In most ZnO-based nanocomposites their morphology is uncontrolled (agglomerated granules), but in ase of using cellulose acetobutyrate this becomes controlled by observing through flower-like structures SEM and AFM) The study of the functional properties of ZnO/polymer fiber composite systems showed that they have piezoelectric properties which give them the characteristics of smart material with possible sensor and actuator applications.Recent literature reports that the synthesis and characterization of ZnO-polymer nanocomposites are more flexible materials for various applications.