Application of natural polymers enhanced with ZnO and CuO as humidity sensor

ABSTRACT Metal oxides enhance the electronic properties of natural polymers. Accordingly, natural polymers modified with metal oxides show potential application as cheap easily handled sensors. Model molecules, which described the interaction cellulose (Cel), chitosan (Cs) and sodium alginate (NaAlg) and ZnO and CuO are presented. Quantitative structure analysis relationship (QSAR) parameters were calculated at PM6 for all structures. Thermodynamic properties were also computed to demonstrate the effect of nanometal oxides on natural polymer behaviour. Calculated data revealed that, Cel, Cs and NaAlg interacted with ZnO and CuO with noticeable enhancement in the electronic and thermal properties. CuO interacted with Cel and Cs through oxygen atom while NaALg recorded non-significant changes. It is concluded that the enhancement of Cel or Cs with MO produced new nanocomposite with high electronic properties and thermal stability dedicated for applications as humidity sensor.