Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol and lead sulfide nanoparticles

The nanocomposites consisting of lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles (NPs) with average diameter of 26 Å and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were synthesized using colloidal chemistry methods. The PbS/PVA nanocomposites were characterized using optical, structural, thermal and mechanical techniques. No difference between infrared spectra and no difference between glass transition temperatures after incorporation of the PbS NPs in the PVA matrix indicated weak interaction between nanofiller and polymer. Due to weak interaction between nanofiller and polymer a slight improvement of the mechanical properties of the PbS/PVA nanocomposite was observed compared to the neat PVA. On the other hand, the presence of the PbS NPs in the PVA matrix induced the increase of the crystallization temperature and enthalpy of crystallization. Also, the thermal decomposition of the PVA shifted towards higher temperature for about 15 °C in the presence of the PbS NPs.