Electrothermal and Optical Properties of Hybrid Polymer Composites

Abstract

The Electrothermal and optical properties of hybrid polymer composites made of poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix filled with different zinc oxide (ZnO) concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6 and 12 wt %), and strengthened with iodine (0.1 wt %) have been investigated. The electrical properties have been studied using the impedance technique as a function of ZnO concentrations, applied frequency ranges from 10 KHz to 3 MHz, and temperature in range (25-55 ˚C). The AC electrical properties showed frequency, temperature, and zinc oxide dependence. It was found that with increasing the ZnO concentration and with decreasing the applied frequency the dielectric loss and dielectric constant will be increased. The determined activation energy decreases with increasing the ZnO content and iodine charge complexes. The thermal conductivity has been studied, and it was found that the thermal conductivity increases with both ZnO concentration and temperature. The optical properties have been examined as a function of ZnO concentration, and applied UV-wavelength ranges from 300 to 800 nm. The determined optical dispersion parameters, such as the optical energy and refractive index are discussed.