Analysis of topographical parameters and interfacial interaction of zinc oxide reinforced poly (vinyl alcohol-g-acrylonitrile) nanocomposite film surfaces using atomic force microscopy

Motivated by the significance of surface morphology and topography of polymer nanocomposite surfaces, the present investigation was undertaken to design zinc oxide reinforced nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-poly(acrylonitrile) and explore their morphological and topographical features. The grafted polymer matrix was prepared by a free radical polymerization method and zinc oxide nanoparticles were impregnated by adopting a simple sequential dipping method that involves alternate dipping of grafted polymer film in the alkali and the metal ions solutions, respectively to allow in situ precipitation of zinc oxide nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix. The as designed nanocomposite films were investigated for their morphology and topography by the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Various roughness parameters were calculated and a correlation was established between the morphology, topography and chemical composition of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the surface compositional analysis was evaluated by Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to confirm the results since there usually remains a difference between the nominal and actual concentration of the prepared sample.