Research Article
Hydrothermal-Assisted Fabrication of Eco-Friendly ZnO/Tapioca Nanocomposite Films with Enhanced Structural and Optical Properties
Jyoti Bala Kaundal*
,
Bhavya Pandey
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
71-81
Received:
31 August 2026
Accepted:
10 September 2026
Published:
9 October 2026
Abstract: The growing demand for environmentally sustainable materials has encouraged the development of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites with improved functional properties. In the present study, ZnO/tapioca starch nanocomposite films were fabricated by combining hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles with a tapioca starch matrix through a solution-casting process. The influence of ZnO incorporation on the structural, morphological, chemical, and optical characteristics of the films was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of crystalline hexagonal ZnO in the nanocomposite films. The average crystallite size decreased from 60 nm for pristine ZnO to 39 nm and 33 nm for ZnTp1 and ZnTp2, respectively, suggesting that the starch matrix restricted crystal growth during film formation. FESEM images revealed a corresponding reduction in particle size and a more uniform particle distribution with increasing tapioca content. FTIR spectra showed the characteristic absorption bands of both ZnO and tapioca starch without the appearance of new chemical bonds, indicating that the interaction between the inorganic nanoparticles and the polymer matrix was predominantly physical and governed by hydrogen bonding. The optical behaviour of the nanocomposite films was influenced by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. UV-Visible measurements showed enhanced absorption in the ultraviolet region together with a slight decrease in the optical band gap from 3.56 to 3.49 eV. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited characteristic near-band-edge emission along with visible defect-related emission associated with intrinsic ZnO defects, indicating changes in the defect structure after incorporation into the starch matrix. Overall, the results demonstrate that hydrothermal synthesis combined with solution casting provides an effective route for preparing biodegradable ZnO/tapioca nanocomposites films with improved structural and optical characteristics.
Abstract: The growing demand for environmentally sustainable materials has encouraged the development of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites with improved functional properties. In the present study, ZnO/tapioca starch nanocomposite films were fabricated by combining hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles with a tapioca starch matrix through a solutio...
Show More
Research Article
Comparative Study of Synthesis Characterization and Thermal Properties of Homomer and Copolymers of
N-Benzylmaleimide
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
82-89
Received:
21 August 2026
Accepted:
27 September 2026
Published:
26 October 2026
Abstract: N-Benzylmaleimide (NBMI) was synthesized and subsequently copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) through free-radical polymerization in tetrahydrofuran (THF), using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiators. The synthesized NBMI homopolymer and NBMI-MMA copolymer (CBMI) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, solubility studies, intrinsic-viscosity measurements, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The NBMI homopolymer and CBMI copolymer were obtained in yields of 39.5% and 44.0%, respectively, with intrinsic-viscosity values of 0.031 and 0.060 dL/g. FT-IR and 1H NMR analyses confirmed the consumption of the maleimide carbon–carbon double bond during polymerization, while the characteristic imide-ring structure remained intact. Solubility studies revealed that the CBMI copolymer exhibited favourable solubility in several organic solvents. GPC analysis showed that the copolymer possessed a molecular weight of 25,881 g mol−1. Furthermore, TGA demonstrated a predominantly single-stage degradation pattern and satisfactory thermal stability. The higher yield and intrinsic viscosity of CBMI compared with the NBMI homopolymer indicate the successful incorporation of MMA into the polymer system. Overall, the results demonstrate that NBMI-MMA copolymer exhibits favourable structural, physicochemical, and thermal characteristics, making it a promising material for potential advanced polymer applications.
Abstract: N-Benzylmaleimide (NBMI) was synthesized and subsequently copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) through free-radical polymerization in tetrahydrofuran (THF), using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiators. The synthesized NBMI homopolymer and NBMI-MMA copolymer (CBMI) were characterized by Fourier-transform infr...
Show More
