Improved Dielectric Constant of Modified Polymer Blend by Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles

We fabricated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend and modified by nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. By dispersing 2, 5 and 7 wt% NiO into a [(PVC)m /(PMMA)n)] 60/40 (m/n) wt% polymer blend, three modified blend systems were obtained. The dispersion of NiO in blends was characterized by optical microscopy. The orientation of NiO in PVC/PMMA matrix was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The dielectric parameters of pure PVC/PMMA blend and NiO modified PVC/PMMA blend were studied using an impedance analyzer as a function of frequency (10Hz-100 KHz) and DC bias (0-25 V) at room temperature (30°C). The improved dielectric constant was demonstrated in the range of 104 to 105. The modified blend can be useful in battery electrode coating application domain.