Study of autocorrelation function of polymer and polymer–nanocomposite solutions using dynamic light scattering method

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) of polymer and polymer–nanocomposite solutions has been performed to examine the effect in the morphology of polymer solution in presence of nanoparticles analyzing their correlation functions. The size of the nanoparticle was determined using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy measurements. Analysis of the correlation functions of polymer solution shows existence of two modes, namely, fast and slow modes, along with the distinct values in their corresponding amplitudes and relaxation times. Interestingly, the fast mode of the solution was found to smear out, enhancing the slow mode when we grow nanoparticles into the polymer solution. Apart from the above study, the temperature variation study of both the solutions show that above and below room temperature, the polymer solution becomes more heterogeneous compared to the solution when nanoparticles are grown into it.