Advanced Physical Research

This study reports the green synthesis, structural analysis, and multifunctional characterization of polymethyl methacrylate/ carbon nanotube/ silver nanoparticle (PMMA/CNT/AgNPs) nanocomposites prepared via an environmentally friendly route using eucalyptus leaf extract as a natural reducing agent for Ag⁺ ions. Three different AgNPs loading were incorporated into PMMA/CNT matrices to investigate the influence of silver concentration on the microstructural, optical, and electrical properties. The synthesis process involved dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in acetone, blending them with PMMA, and introducing AgNPs formed in situ via the phytochemical reducing provided by the eucalyptus extract. FTIR spectroscopy revealed characteristic PMMA functional groups along with shifts and intensity variations associated with CNT-Ag interactions. SEM analysis showed that Ag particles were generally spherical and either uniformly dispersed or partially agglomerated depending on concentration, influencing composite conductivity. Optical characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated that Ag incorporation induced Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) features, enhancing light absorption in the visible range. Electrical measurements demonstrated a marked improvement in both DC and AC conductivity with increasing AgNPs content, attributed to the formation of conductive pathways through the combined effect of CNT networks and metallic nanoparticles. These finding highlight the synergistic enhancement achievable by combining the optical transparency of PMMA, the high electrical conductivity of CNTs, and the plasmonic response of AgNPs within a single eco-friendly composite system. The green synthesis approach not only reduces environmental impact but also offers a scalable, low-cost pathway for producing advanced nanocomposites. Such materials show strong potential for flexible electronics, optoelectronics devices, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications.