Synthesis of biocomposite films based on Arabic gum/polyvinyl alcohol loaded with cadmium oxide for boosting the dielectric and electrical features

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of flexible biocomposite films composed of arabic gum (AG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with cadmium oxide (CdO) for dielectric and electrical applications. The films were prepared using a solution casting technique with varying CdO concentrations (1, 2, and 3 mL). The structural and morphological properties were examined by FESEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR analyses, confirming uniform dispersion of CdO and successful interaction with the AG/PVA matrix. Dielectric characterization revealed a strong frequency-dependent behavior, with the dielectric constant (ε′) increasing from 41.3 (AG/PVA) to 89.6 (3CdO@AG/PVA) at 1 kHz. Dielectric loss and electric modulus studies confirmed dipolar relaxation and interfacial polarization processes. Electrical conductivity improved significantly with CdO loading, reaching 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm for the 3CdO@AG/PVA film. The films also exhibited characteristic Cole-Cole semicircles, indicating improved charge transport with increasing filler content. CdO was selected for its semiconducting nature, high dielectric constant, and better dispersion. The AG/PVA matrix provides a biodegradable, flexible, and compatible platform, outperforming synthetic matrices like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in environmental aspects. These results highlight the potential of CdO@AG/PVA films for applications in dielectric capacitors, flexible electronics, EMI shielding, and biodegradable sensors.