Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposites: Synergistic Enhancement on Multifunctional Performance and Deep Learning‐Driven Predictions for Next‐Generation Flexible Electronics
L. Thomas, M. Sreekanth
Abstract
ABSTRACT The investigation deals with the enhancement of mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites reinforced with varying concentrations of amine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), specifically ranging from 1 to 7 wt%, respectively. The results demonstrate that incorporation of MWCNTs significantly improves the composites' performance, making them highly suitable for advanced applications in flexible electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. The mechanical properties demonstrate a critical balance between MWCNTs loading and dispersion, with a peak tensile strength of 50.5 MPa and Shore A hardness of 80.7 with 3 wt% MWCNTs. A robust deep neural network (DNN) model employing the Adam optimizer accurately predicted mechanical behavior, achieving a low mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and an R 2 value close to unity, underscoring its potential for predictive material design. The electrical percolation threshold was identified at 2 wt% MWCNTs, revealing a remarkable five‐order‐of‐magnitude increase in DC electrical conductivity as compared to pure PVA, establishing a significant benchmark for PVA/MWCNTs systems. Optical and thermal analyses highlighted improvements in absorbance, reduced transmittance, a narrowed bandgap, and superior thermal stability, with the 3 wt% composite emerging as an optimal formulation for high‐performance applications in electronics. Wettability studies revealed a reduction in the hydrophilic nature of PVA in the presence of MWCNTs, where an increase in the contact angle from 48° for pure PVA to 114° at 5 wt% MWCNTs emphasized the influence of MWCNTs on surface interactions. The investigation establishes the critical performance benchmarks for PVA/MWCNTs nanocomposites and demonstrates their potential as multifunctional polymer materials for advanced technological applications.