Transparent PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films based on colloidal ZnO quantum dots

Abstract

Colloidal zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots (QDs) with a uniform particle size of around 5 nm have been synthesized, purified and blended with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by solution mixing to prepare PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films. The structure and morphology of ZnO QDs and PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films have been characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films prepared are highly transparent. The UV–vis spectra and thermogravitational analysis results show that a small amount of colloidal ZnO QDs (<1 wt%) without further surface modification can greatly improve the thermal stability of PMMA along with UV-shielding capability.