Spectroscopic Investigations on Polyethylene Oxide and Their Nanocomposites

Polyethylene oxide-based nanocomposites were obtained by loading the polymeric matrix with fullerene, using the solution path. Various morphologies were obtained by using different solvents, and concentrations of C₆₀. Raman investigations were performed using a Renishaw inVia spectrometer, operating at 785 nm. FTIR spectroscopy data were obtained by using a Bruker Hyperion Confocal Microscope. These studies were focused on the molecular basis of elasticity, analyzing in detail the effect of the nanofiller on the position and width of main lines. Complementary data were obtained by X-ray diffraction, using a Bruker Discovery 8 system. The line width was analyzed within HW approach to deconvolute between the effect of stress/strain and the size of crystallites. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to analyze experimental data. EPR measurements using a Bruker Elexsys operating in the X-band provided complementary information regarding C₆₀ and their interactions. The effect of polymer morphology and of the loading by C60 on phase transitions was investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to assess the thermal stability of these nanocomposites. An unusually strong increase in thermal stability was observed.