Effect of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the structural, thermal and optical properties of electrospun PCL-PVC blend nanofibers

Abstract This study investigates the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticle incorporation on the structural, morphological, thermal, and optical properties of electrospun PCL-PVC nanofibers. TiO 2 nanoparticles synthesized via the hydrothermal method were incorporated into a 7PCL–3PVC polymer blend at concentrations of 5–20 wt%. The nanocomposite fibers were characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, DSC, TGA, and UV–Vis analyses. FTIR results confirmed physical interactions between TiO 2 nanoparticles and the polymer matrix without altering the main chemical structure. XRD analyses revealed the predominance of the rutile TiO 2 phase and an increase in composite crystallinity with nanoparticle addition. SEM observations showed that TiO 2 significantly affected fiber morphology and average fiber diameter. DSC analyses demonstrated that TiO 2 nanoparticles acted as heterogeneous nucleation agents, enhancing crystallization temperature and crystallinity degree. TGA results indicated improved thermal stability and higher residual mass at elevated temperatures. UV–Vis analyses showed enhanced optical absorption and a reduction in bandgap energy from 4.27 eV to 3.67 eV with increasing TiO 2 content. Overall, TiO 2 -doped PCL-PVC nanofibers exhibit enhanced thermal, structural, and optical properties, making them promising materials for optoelectronic, filtration, and advanced engineering applications.