Analysis of the morphology and properties of PAN/Bi2O3 composite nanomaterials produced by electrospraying method

Purpose: The aim of the study was the preparation of the composite nanofibers with the polymer matrix reinforced by the reinforcement phase in the form of Bi2O3 ceramic nanoparticles using the electrospinning method from the 10% PAN/DMF solutions with the mass concentration of Bi2O3 nanoparticles of the order of 5 and 10%, and the investigate their morphology and physical properties as a function of the mass concentration of the reinforcing phase and the applied process parameters. Design/methodology/approach: In order to analyze the structure of the used Bi2O3 nanoparticles were used high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). To examine the morphology and chemical composition of the resulting of materials was carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). In order to analyze the physical properties of obtained composite materials was made the UV-VIS spectroscopy study, which are then used to determine the band structure of the obtained nanocomposite materials and to determine the effect of mass concentration of the reinforcing phase on the value of the energy band gap. Findings: The influence of parameters of the electrospinning process on morphology of the composite materials and influence of mass concentration of reinforcing phase on electrical structure obtained materials were determined. Practical implications: Analysis of the electrical properties resulting composite material showed that the PAN composite material reinforced ceramic Bi2O3 nanoparticles is a potentially attractive dielectric material which may be used in the field of optoelectronics. Originality/value: The Bi2O3 particles, due to their energy structure and the photocatalytic properties applied as the strengthening phase for polymers fibers and particles are attractive alternative for composite materials from PAN/TiO2 used as the photocatalytic and dielectric materials.