Structural, surface and optical characteristics of flexible PVA/NiCdO polymeric composite films

The composite films (PVA/Ni_0.05Cd_0.95O) were fabricated via the solution casting process by amalgamating the polymer Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) with varying amounts of nickel–cadmium oxide (NiCdO). The doping concentrations of NiCdO nanofillers are 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%. The XRD confirms the successful manufacturing of the composite (PVA/NiCdO). The influence of filler Ni in the PVA/NiCdO on the surface morphology, optical and structural properties were examined. The FTIR measurement signifies the combination of Ni and CdO nanoparticles into PVA results in chemical interaction and physical amalgamation of the inorganic fillers with the polymer matrix. The optical characteristics, comprising optical absorbance, band gap energy, Urbach energy, refractive index and optical conductivity were determined using the UV/vis spectroscopy in wavelength of 200–1100 nm. The absorption edge transitions from 4.81 eV for PVA to 3.76 eV by increasing the Ni to 2.0% for PVA/NiCdO, while the band gap reduced from 5.32 to 3.01 eV. The incorporation of NiCdO into PVA polymer modifies its optical properties. The outcomes of this work provide empirical evidence for the potential application of PVA/NiCdO films in optical devices.