The Effect of Nanoscale Bismuth Oxide on the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Acetate

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) loaded Bi₂O₃ nano-particles were successfully prepared at room temperature and ambient pressure. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the final product. It was found that Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles were well dispersed and uniform in shape and the diameter of the particles was confined within 8 nm. Addition of small amounts (0.2 - 1 wt%) of nano-scales Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are increased the electrical conductivity as well as the modulus of elasticity. The deformation behavior after yielding of the nanocomposites, irrespective of Bi₂O₃ concentration is similar to the unfilled elastomer, implying that the mechanism of large deformation is mainly governed by the matrix.