Applied Chemical Engineering

Tailoring the Morphological and Electrical Properties of PMMA-TiO2-SiC Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications

Rawaa Yahya Habeeb

University of Babylon, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Department of Physics, Iraq, Babil

Majeed Ali Habeeb

University of Babylon, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Department of Physics, Iraq, Babil

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v9i3.5984

Keywords: electrical properties, pressure sensors, dielectric loss, AC electrical conductivity

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Abstract

This study was conducted to develop and investigate PMMA-based nanocomposites with added nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and silicon carbide (SiC). The uniqueness of this research includes combining the advantages of both TiO₂ and SiC nanoparticles for enhancing the properties of PMMA-based nanocomposites. In this study, the electrical, mechanical, and sensing performances of PMMA-TiO₂-SiC nanocomposites were examined. The fabricated nanocomposites have demonstrated significant improvements in their electrical performance, which was higher than that of pure PMMA and achieved without increasing fabrication costs or complexity. An increase in the loadings of TiO₂ and SiC nanoparticles led to an increase in the ε′, ε″, and AC electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity of the prepared nanocomposites ranged from 3.31 × 10⁻¹¹ to 1.98 × 10⁻¹⁰ S/cm. Measurements of the sensor response demonstrated its excellent stability in different environments, as well as superior flexibility and high-pressure sensitivity. The performance improvement can be attributed to the ability of both nanoparticles to change the structure of the material and improve charge transport. Thus, the developed multifunctional nanocomposites possess a stable electric response and could potentially be used in modern energy storage and electronic devices, such as pressure capacitive sensors.

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