Linear Optical Constants of Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Praseodymium Oxide Nanocomposite Films in the Ferroelectric Phase

Abstract

In the present investigation, the pristine and Praseodymium oxide (Pr 2 O 3 ) nanoparticle embedded polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thick films were fabricated via solution casting/intercalation technique. PVDF/ Pr 2 O 3 nano composite film has been fabricated aiming its use in ferroelectric memory devices and in the development of biomedical sensors. The Pr 2 O 3 nano particles were synthesized by the hydrothermal technique, being a versatile and easy method for obtaining size controlled nanoparticles. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) has been recorded in the range 400 to 4000 cm-1, and functional groups were identified in the nanocomposite films. Infrared vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR + Raman) curves revealed the presence of ferroelectric β-phase in the annealed nanocomposite films intrinsically. All-important optical constants have been determined for the first time via UV-VIS transmission spectroscopy for the nanocomposite films in the ferroelectric phase.