Optimized performance of PVA-PVP membranes enhanced with SrO-La₂O₃ composites via ultrasound-assisted synthesis

This study investigates polymer membranes composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) embedded with metal oxides, specifically Strontium oxide (SrO) and Lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃). Composite films of PVA-PVP-SrO, PVA-PVP- La₂O₃, and PVA-PVP-SrO–La₂O₃ were developed using an ultrasound-assisted casting technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that these polymer membranes exhibit both semi-crystalline and amorphous characteristics, with crystalline peaks of SrO and La₂O₃ indicating modifications in their structural properties. The electrical properties were evaluated using an I-V source meter and impedance spectroscopy. Physical properties of the materials were studied to understand their behaviour of stress and strain. Young’s Modulus measurements revealed that PVA-PVP- La₂O₃ achieved the highest elongation value (ɛ) of 145.5. Thermal conductivity was measured using the transient hot wire method, indicated that PVA-PVP-SrO–La₂O₃ exhibited superior thermal conductivity compared to the other composites, achieving a value of 16.129 W/(m⁻¹ K⁻¹).