ABSTRACT:

This study presents a systematic approach for the synthesis of synergized nanocomposite films (SNCFs) by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and varying weight ratios of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a chitosan (Ch) matrix via a solution-blending method. The resulting films were comprehensively characterized to evaluate their structural, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and antioxidant properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed distinct peak shifts, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed peak suppression and broadening, providing direct evidence of strong interfacial interactions, including hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking, which facilitate efficient interfacial charge transfer between chitosan, GO, and MWCNTs. SEM and XRD analyses further confirmed the successful synthesis of a uniformly dispersed nanocomposite comprising nanoscale GO sheets and entangled MWCNT networks embedded within the chitosan matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability of the SNCFs compared to pristine chitosan. Significant improvements in tensile strength and modulus were observed with increasing MWCNT content, accompanied by a reduction in elongation at break. Electrical conductivity exhibited a pronounced enhancement, with a percolation threshold identified in the range of 0.03–0.05 wt.% MWCNTs. Moreover, antioxidant activity increased markedly, reaching approximately 90% enhancement at 0.09 wt.% MWCNTs combined with 0.05 wt.% GO. These multifunctional enhancements are attributed to synergistic electron-transfer processes and strong interfacial interactions within the hybrid nanofiller network.

Keywords:
Nanocomposite Films (NCFs), Synergized nanocomposite films (SNCFs), Multiwalled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Graphene Oxide (GO), Tensile strength and Antioxidant Activity

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