Synergetic effects of nano-SiO 2 /glycerol on the electrical and optical properties of PVA for embedded electronics and optical applications

The present study aims to prepare a low-cost, eco-friendly, free-standing film with optimized physical properties. A PVA composite of hard-soft hybrid filler ratio 1:3 (nSiO 2 :Gl) is prepared by casting. Dynamic mechanical analyses are processed in the frequency range (0.01–9 Hz). Moreover, dielectric studies are performed in the frequency range (50 Hz–5 MHz). Herein, the modified Jonscher equation and electric modulus formalism are used to explain the results. Transmittance and reflectance of studied samples are measured in the UV–Vis range (200–700 nm). Detailed discussions of band structure, refractive index, and optoelectronic parameters are addressed. Remarkably, the results showed that mechanical and electrical properties of PVA can be tuned by careful modulation of glycerol content, whereas optical properties are more sensitive to nSiO 2 content. Finally, FTIR and SEM structural analyses investigate the induced structural changes in PVA.