Preparation and Optical Properties of PVDF-CaFe(2)O(4) Polymer Nanocomposite Films

In this work, a synthesis technique for highly homogeneous PVDF-CaFe(2)O(4) polymer films direct from solution was developed. The structural characterizations were conducted using XRD, FTIR, and ESEM experimental techniques. The XRD characteristic peaks of CaFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles revealed a polycrystalline structure. The average crystallite size for CaFe(2)O(4) was calculated to be 17.0 nm. ESEM micrographs of PVDF nanocomposites containing 0.0, 0.25, 0.75, and 1.0 wt% of CaFe(2)O(4) showed smooth surface topography. The direct E(dir) and indirect E(ind) band gap energies for the PVDF-CaFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites were decreased with the additions of 0.0–1.0 wt% CaFe(2)O(4). In addition, the refractive index (n(0)) increased from 3.38 to 10.36, and energy gaps (E(g)) decreased from 5.50 to 4.95 eV. The nonlinear refractive index (n(2)) for the PVDF-CaFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites was improved with the addition of CaFe(2)O(4) nanoparticles, exceeding those reported in the literature for PVC, PVA, and PMMA nanocomposites. Therefore, the PVDF-CaFe(2)O(4) nanocomposites are expected to take the lead in optoelectronic applications because of their unusual optical properties.