Surface coating of α-Al2O3 nanoparticles with poly(vinyl alcohol) as biocompatible coupling agent for improving properties of bio-active poly(amide-imide) based nanocomposites having l-phenylalanine linkages

• The surface of α-Al2O3 NPs was coated by PVA as a biocompatible modifier.
• Surface modification made better distribution of particles compared to the pure NPs.
• PVA coated α-Al2O3 NPs were used as filler for the preparation of PAPNCs.
• The PAI matrix was prepared under green conditions in molten IL as solvent.
• Incorporation of modified α-Al2O3 NPs into the PAI improved the PAPNCs properties.

Nanocomposites (NCs) containing metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) as fillers are used in a wide range of applications and in various fields. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is an attractive polymer because of its many desirable applications and characteristics. In this investigation, at first, the surface of alumina (α-Al2O3) NPs was modified with PVA as a biocompatible modifier. Then, the optically active poly(amide-imide) (PAI) nanostructure was prepared by using molten tetrabutylammonium bromide as a molten ionic liquid and triphenyl phosphite as the condensing agent. Finally, the modified α-Al2O3 (α-Al2O3-PVA) NPs were incorporated into the PAI matrix for the preparation of PAI/Al2O3-PVA NCs (PAPNCs). To investigate effect and nature of coating on the surface of the α-Al2O3 NPs and preparation of PAPNCs, the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology examination demonstrated the monodispersed characteristics of α-Al2O3 NPs after surface modification with the PVA and incorporation into the PAI matrix.

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