A natural polymer composite is the main choice to replace composites from petroleum derivatives. A composite is formed in two or more phases (i.e., organic and inorganic phases). A composite that has specified energ...A natural polymer composite is the main choice to replace composites from petroleum derivatives. A composite is formed in two or more phases (i.e., organic and inorganic phases). A composite that has specified energy band gap, electrical conductivity, and tensile strength can be used as semiconductor material. The objective of this research was to study the effect of production methods, concentration and type of metal oxide filler (TiO2, A1203, Fe203, and ZnO) on structure, energy band gap, and electrical conductivity of composites. Composites were prepared using a melt intercalation process with tapioca as a matrix and addition of 1%, 3%, 5o and 7% filler concentrations, and sonication processing time in interval of 40, 50, and 60 min. Structure and morphology of the composite were analyzed using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. UV-vis was used to measure the energy band gap while electrical conductivity was measured using a potentiostat through determination of resistivity. In addition, tensile strength and elongation were measured by ASTM 822-02. The energy band gap of the tapioca/metal oxide composite was between 4.9-1.62 eV. Electrical conductivity showed a percolation thresholds for concentrations of 3%-5% TiO2, A1203, and Fe203 and 7% ZnO. The tapioca/ZnO composite with 5% ZnO and 50 min of processing time showed a maximum tensile strength of 74.84 kgf/cm2, 6% elongation, 1.27 - 10^-7ohm^-1cm^-1 electrical conductivity and energy band gap of 3.27 eV. The characteristics described show that the tapioca/metal oxide composite can be used as a semiconductor material.展开更多
文摘A natural polymer composite is the main choice to replace composites from petroleum derivatives. A composite is formed in two or more phases (i.e., organic and inorganic phases). A composite that has specified energy band gap, electrical conductivity, and tensile strength can be used as semiconductor material. The objective of this research was to study the effect of production methods, concentration and type of metal oxide filler (TiO2, A1203, Fe203, and ZnO) on structure, energy band gap, and electrical conductivity of composites. Composites were prepared using a melt intercalation process with tapioca as a matrix and addition of 1%, 3%, 5o and 7% filler concentrations, and sonication processing time in interval of 40, 50, and 60 min. Structure and morphology of the composite were analyzed using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. UV-vis was used to measure the energy band gap while electrical conductivity was measured using a potentiostat through determination of resistivity. In addition, tensile strength and elongation were measured by ASTM 822-02. The energy band gap of the tapioca/metal oxide composite was between 4.9-1.62 eV. Electrical conductivity showed a percolation thresholds for concentrations of 3%-5% TiO2, A1203, and Fe203 and 7% ZnO. The tapioca/ZnO composite with 5% ZnO and 50 min of processing time showed a maximum tensile strength of 74.84 kgf/cm2, 6% elongation, 1.27 - 10^-7ohm^-1cm^-1 electrical conductivity and energy band gap of 3.27 eV. The characteristics described show that the tapioca/metal oxide composite can be used as a semiconductor material.