Advanced Physical Research

ISSN Print: 2663-8436

ISSN Online: 3105-3548

Advanced Physical Research is an open access Journal, publishing fully peer-reviewed original and review papers as well as brief reports on topics in all areas of theoretical and applied physics. The journal provides a platform for researchers who wish to summarize a field of physics research and share this work as widely as possible. The published papers provide an overview of the main developments on a particular topic, with an emphasis on recent developments, and sketch an outlook on future developments.

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Synthesis of Chitosan-Based Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites: An Investigation of Thermal, Optical and Electrical Properties

Published: 12-10-2026

https://doi.org/10.62476/apr83413

Abstract

Considerable advancements have been achieved in material science through the integration of nanomaterials into polymeric matrices. This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of novel Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol (CHT/PVA) hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with varying volumetric ratios of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and greensynthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs). Thin lms containing CHT/MWCNT and PVA/AgNPs blends were successfully prepared via a controlled physical blending approach. Structural analysis using FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed physical interactions and hydrogen bonding between the co-fillers and the polymeric matrices. SEM micrographs indicated homogeneous filler dispersion within the polymer blend. Thermal analysis via TGA/DSC demonstrated that the inclusion of a 1:1 volumetric fraction of PVA/Ag and CHT/CNT (1Ag=1CNT) blends significantly enhanced the thermal stability, yielding a maximum residual weight of 40% at elevated temperatures. Optical analysis revealed remarkable UV-shielding performance, while the 2Ag/1CNT sample exhibited a prominent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption peak in the visible region at 422 nm . The optical band gap systematically decreased to around 4 eV for both the CHT/CNT and 1Ag/1CNT films, reaching minimum values of 3.6 eV and 2.9 eV for the 1Ag/2CNT and 2Ag/1CNT nanocomposites, respectively. Steady-state direct current (DC) electrical measurements revealed that the 1Ag/1CNT hybrid attained an optimal conductivity σ_dc of 875 S/m at 60⁰C. Alternating current (AC) analysis highlighted the 1Ag/2CNT nanocomposite as the superior hybrid due to the formation of an efficient CNT-dominated percolation network. Conversely, an excess of silver content (2Ag/1CNT) drastically suppressed the AC conductivity, suggesting that high Ag concentrations disrupt optimal conduction pathways. These highly functional materials hold great potential for flexible electronics and smart applications requiring combined thermal endurance and electrical performance.