Engineering the Optical and Dielectric Performance of <scp>PVP</scp> / <scp>PS</scp> Blend Films via <scp>SiC</scp> / <scp> PbO

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of novel hybrid nanocomposite films based on a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polystyrene (PS) blend reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC)/lead dioxide (PbO 2 ) nanostructures. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed successful integration of nanocrystalline SiC and PbO 2 phases into the amorphous polymer matrix with high phase purity. Optical and dielectric properties were tuned by varying nanofiller concentration. At 3.9 wt% SiC‐PbO 2 loading, the films showed significant optical absorbance enhancement: a 56% increase in the UV region ( λ  = 340 nm) and a 68.2% increase in the visible region ( λ  = 540 nm). This loading narrowed the optical energy gap from 3.0 eV to 2.1 eV for allowed transitions. The refractive index increased to 2.63 (at 800 nm), and optical conductivity rose by 52%. Dielectric properties improved, with real permittivity ( ε' ) rising from 3.09 to 4.93, imaginary permittivity ( ε'' ) from 0.166 to 0.326, and AC conductivity from 9.27 × 10 −12  S/cm to 1.81 × 10 −11  S/cm at 100 Hz. These enhancements arise from the synergistic effect of SiC and PbO 2 nanoparticles, optimizing charge transport and photon harvesting. The PVP/PS‐SiC‐PbO 2 films are promising, cost‐effective materials for UV shielding, flexible electronics, and advanced photonic devices.