Optical and electrical characteristics of thin PMMA sheets doped with Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles

In this work, polymeric sheets doped with different percentages of Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanopowders were synthesized. The ferrite powder was prepared by coprecipitation technique and mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in chloroform solvent solution at room temperature. The formed ferrites/PMMA composite sheets were of gradual transparency from clear to dark brown appearance according to the doped ferrite concentration. The microscopic images showed homogenous distribution of ferrite powder over the whole area of the formed sheets with good stability and smooth surface. The UV–visible absorption spectra of the samples were measured, and optical energy gaps were determined for all the samples. The photoluminescence emission spectra of the polymeric composite were measured. Dielectric properties were investigated in AC field. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant and conductivity showed semiconducting behavior which was explained in view of the electrical conduction mechanisms of ferrites and polymers.