Investigation on nanosized CuO incorporated hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer nanocomposite films

Addition of metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) to polymers allows the modification of physical properties of polymers as well as the implementation of new features in the polymer matrix. In this work, we have made an attempt to disperse CuO NPs in the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and to understand the changes in structural, optical and thermal properties of the polymer films. CuO NPs were added in four different concentrations, viz., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 wt.%. A total of five films were prepared (including the pure HPMC film, for comparison). The prepared films were subjected to X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimeter, and ultraviolet-visible spectral analyses. The obtained results are reported.