Structural, optical and dielectric properties of ZrO2 reinforced polymeric nanocomposite films of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Abstract A simplistic sol-casting technique was used to fabricate polymeric nanocomposite film of PMMA–ZrO 2 . Phase analysis, micro-structure and chemical composition were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). A significant enhancement in absorption coefficient of UV–vis absorption profile was observed with the increase in ZrO 2 content. Dielectric properties of the nanocomposite films were studied as a function of frequency and temperature in the ranges of 100 Hz–3 MHz and 313–373 K, respectively. The addition of ZrO 2 filler into PMMA markedly enhanced the dielectric constant ( e ′ ∼ 26) and suppressed the loss (tan  δ  ∼ 0.06). Dielectric loss peaks were explained in terms of dielectric relaxation. The value of ac conductivity was found around 7.75×10 −5  S m −1 at 373 K and 3 MHz. The Conducting behavior of the nanocomposite film was ascribed to hopping mechanism. The synergistic combination of ZrO 2 and PMMA can be used as an appropriate candidate for high frequency capacitor application.