Fabrication and Characterization of Polymer Blend Doped With Metal Carbide Nanoparticles for Humidity Sensors

Abstract

Nanocomposites films of (polymer blend-ceramics) were prepared from (PVA-PAA) blend and (PVA-PAA) blend doped with niobium carbide nanoparticles for humidity sensors have low cost, easy fabrication, high sensitivity, lightweight and high corrosion resistance. The structural, electrical and optical properties of (PVA-PAA-NbC) nanocomposites have been studied. The D.C electrical properties of (PVA-PAA-NbC) nanocomposites were studied with different temperature range. The results showed that the D.C electrical conductivity (PVA-PAA) blend increases with increase in niobium carbide nanoparticles concentrations and temperatures. The activation energy of (PVA-PAA) blend decreases with increase in niobium carbide nanoparticles concentrations. The results of optical properties showed that the transmittance of (PVA-PAA) blend decreases with increase in niobium carbide nanoparticles concentrations. The (PVA-PAA-NbC) nanocomposites tested for humidity sensors and the results showed that the (PVA-PAA-NbC) nanocomposites have high sensitivity for humidity sensors. Keywords: niobium carbide, nanocomposites, humidity sensors, activation energy.