Ultrasonic investigation of PEG–Ethanol–Epoxy–TiO₂ nanocomposite: Insights into coating suitability via thermoacoustic parameters

This study employs ultrasonic techniques within the temperature range of 298–328 K to examine the molecular interactions and structural dynamics of a novel PEG–ethanol–epoxy–TiO₂ nanocomposite system, which consists of 5 % (w/w) PEG-6000, 10 % (w/w) epoxy resin, and 2 % (w/w) TiO₂ nanoparticles. Thermoacoustic parameters, including free volume, available volume, molar volume, internal pressure, Rao’s constant, and Wada constant, were obtained through experimental measurements of ultrasonic velocity, viscosity, and density. The findings indicate that as temperature rises, there is a progressive increase in free volume, available volume, molar volume, Rao’s constant, and Wada constant, while internal pressure decreases. This suggests an enhancement in molecular mobility and a reduction in cohesive forces within the composite matrix. The uniform distribution of TiO₂ nanoparticles greatly enhances structural consistency and acoustic responsiveness, indicating robust interfacial interactions among PEG, ethanol, epoxy, and TiO₂ via hydrogen bonding and dipole–dipole mechanisms. The findings confirm that ultrasonic analysis demonstrates a high sensitivity to molecular rearrangements and thermal behavior in polymer nanocomposites. The optimized PEG–epoxy–TiO₂ formulation demonstrates significant potential for advanced coating applications, including thermally adaptable, UV-resistant, and acoustically responsive materials for biomedical and electronic devices. • Investigates the interaction between PEG, ethanol, epoxy, and TiO₂ nanoparticles using ultrasonic techniques. • Evaluation of thermo acoustic parameter and examines how the acoustic parameter change with increasing temperature. • The findings provide insights into enhanced thermal and acoustic properties for protective coatings in biomedical, industrial, and aerospace applications.