Reinforcement of various characteristics of biocompatible PVA/PMMA/ <i>N-</i> GO polymer nanocomposite by functionalization of GO
Anwar L. Bilgrami, S. B. Dangi, P.M.Z. Hasan, A.M. Quraishi, Ammar A. Melaibari, Maryam Sarwat, M. Ayaz Ahmad, P. A. Alvi
Abstract
This article explores the reinforcement of various characteristics of a biocompatible PVA/PMMA polymer blend through the incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide (N-GO). PVA/PMMA/N-GO nanocomposites were synthesized using a melt blending technique with varying N-GO wt.%. Characterization revealed significant improvements: reduced refractive index and optical bandgap, increased extinction coefficient, Urbach energy, and optical dielectric constants. XRD analysis showed enhanced crystallinity and reduced micro-strain, indicating suitability for high-performance applications. FTIR analysis detected minor shifts in functional groups (O-H, C-H, C-O, and C-C), while PL properties were modulated. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the prepared polymer nanocomposites have been investigated against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) and Bacillus subtilis (gram-positive bacterial). These results demonstrate the potential of PVA/PMMA/N-GO composites for diverse technological applications.