Fabrication and characterization of ZnO incorporated cellulose microfiber film: structural, morphological and functional investigations

The cellulose micro fibers (CMF) were extracted from the milled Borassus flabellifer using alkali treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. The purified CMF was functionalized with ZnO nanoparticles and PVA matrix by ultrasonic-assisted solution process. Various properties of the resultant material was investigated which include structural, optical, morphological, thermal, mechanical, functional and electrical properties. The structural, functional and morphological studies show the fine intercalation between the ZnO and CMF. The changes in the electrical and mechanical properties were noticed with the influence of ZnO. Moreover, the significant changes in the functional, optical, morphological and electrical properties were observed for the ozone-exposed film. The ozone exposure enhances the surface uniformity, increase the electrical conductivity due to decrease in band gap. These findings are clearly illustrated the composite of cellulose, ZnO and PVA (CZP) and ozone exposed CZP could be used as biocompatible materials for electronic device applications.