Role of Silicon Nanocomposites for Advanced Electrical and Structural Properties: Synthesis, Characterization, Performance and Applications

INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology encompasses the development and use of nanocomposites, offering innovative methods and commercial prospects across multiple industries, such as automotive, aerospace, superconductors, electronics, and physical and chemical fields with dimensions spanning from individual molecules or atoms to submicron scales [1-4] with sizes spanning from individual atoms and molecules to submicron dimensions. Nanotechnology is often considered the next industrial revolution [6,7]. Nanocomposite polymers, including organic polymers and nanoscale inorganic nanoparticles, are advanced materials that have attracted significant interest in recent years [8,9]. These composite materials differ from pure polymers in both chemical and physical properties [10,11]. This may be important and advantageous for several candidates across multiple applications [12,13]. Incorporating nanoparticles into a polymer matrix may significantly improve the material’s optical characteristics with low amounts of the Nanoparticles. When added to polymers, nanoparticles are better than regular additives because they don’t need to be loaded as much, and they have a big effect on the physical properties. One benefit of nanoparticles as polymer additives, in contrast to traditional additives, is that their loading requirements are quite low [10] Understanding their optical behaviour is crucial for examining electronic transitions and the potential use of polymers as optical filters. Data on the electrical properties of amorphous and crystalline semiconductors is often obtained by studying their optical features over broad frequency ranges. [4]. Polymethyl a linear thermoplastic polymer known as methacrylate (PMMA). It holds melting point of of160°C with a glass transition temperature of 115°C [14] PMMA has exceptional material properties, including notable mechanical strength, hardness, high rigidity, transparency, and efficient insulating capabilities [15-17].
The only drawback of PEO in applications is its insufficient optical and electrical performance at temperatures beyond its melting point. To augment its attributes [18]. PEO nanocomposite structures, including nanoparticles, exhibit robust interactions with surface functional groupings, enhancing thermal stability beyond the melting temperature of the nanocomposite [19]. Various nanocomposites may be included in PEO polymer to improve its properties and facilitate its use in multiple fields [20-25]. PEO has shown efficacy in several applications due to its unique chemical properties. Silicon is ranked the second prevalent component of our planet, exceeded only in the presence of oxygen [26-28]. Being both cheap and plentiful, it has quickly become one of the most accessible inorganic compounds. One of silicon’s most common uses in the latest innovations in energy storage technology is in the semiconductor sector, which has grown exponentially in the last few decades, demonstrating the material’s critical relevance. Characteristics, particularly purity and homogeneity. The top-down methodology involves the disintegration of convert mass silicon from nanostructures. Which has intensified the demand for effective, resistance-free, cost-effective, and biocompatible antimicrobial agents. Nanomaterials offer an innovative alternative to antibiotics. For example, nanoparticles have been employed to mitigate skin diseases and prevent microbial colonization on devices such as endotracheal tubes, catheters, and prostheses. Silicone derivatives combined with polymers have been utilized as anti-corrosion and chemical-resistant coatings that impede bacterial proliferation [29-32].

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The casting procedure was used to create the (PMMA-PEO/Si) nanocomposite. At room temperature, 1 gramme of (PMMA-PEO) and Si were dissolved in 50 millilitres of chloroform alcohol using a magnetic stirrer to thoroughly mix and dissolve the material. The weight ratios of Si nanoparticles added to PMMA-PEO were (1.4,2.8,4.2, and 5.6%) Using a 10-centimeter-diameter Petri dish as a mound, pouring the liquid in, waiting for it to dry, and then carefully removing it for testing is the casting procedure.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
FTIR spectra of (PMMA/PEO/Si) nanocomposites
Fig. 1 illustrates the various peaks in the infrared spectra of the (PMMA-PEO/Si) nanocomposites at distinct concentrations (pure, 1.4 wt%) of (Si), within the region of (4000 – 500) cm⁻¹. Fig. 1a shows the infrared spectra of (PMMA-PEO/Si), exhibiting a significant peak at about (1723.83) cm⁻¹, indicative of carbonyl (C=O) stretching, principally reflecting the interaction between PMMA and PEO. The bending vibration of (CH2) is seen at 1448.50 cm⁻¹, while (C-O) group vibrations that stretch are noted at 1099.68 cm⁻¹. Fig. 1b displays several peaks at 1449.14 cm⁻¹ and 1099.33 cm⁻¹, corresponding to (C-H) and (C-O) bonds, respectively. The observed signal at 1723.30 cm⁻¹ pertains to the group of carbon atoms (C=O). At its highest point at 1099.06 cm⁻¹ corresponds to the (C-O) expansion of the carbonyl group in PMMA. The (C-H) bending transpires at 960.51 cm⁻¹, outside the absorption plane of the rings. FT-IR readings indicate the absence of any chemical reaction. Where physical linkages are evident and studies concrete [33-36].

Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)
The arrangement of silicon (Si nanoparticles) within the polymer is examined through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the influence of these particles on the nanocomposites is assessed. Fig. 2 present FESEM images of films derived from PMMA-PEO/Si nanocomposites, exhibiting different concentrations of Si nanoparticles. The Incorporation of silicon (Si nanoparticles) within the polymer matrix was analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the effects of these particles on the properties of the nanocomposites were assessed. Fig. 2 presents FESEM images of films derived from PMMA-PEO/Si nanocomposites, showcasing varying concentrations of Si nanoparticles. Fig. 2a demonstrates the cohesiveness and homogeneity of the polymer, showing that the addition of Si nanoparticles to the PMMA-PEO polymer modifies the surface structure of the system, as evidenced by images B, C, D, and E in the figure. The average grain sizes derived from the FESEM images were 54.514 nm, 42.39 nm, 39.43 nm, and 38.60 nm for Si nanoparticles at concentrations of 1.4%, 2.8%, 4.2%, and 5.6%, respectively. FESEM images demonstrate a reduction in average grain size of 2.8% and 4.2% upon the incorporation of silicon nanoparticles, this is consistent with the researchers’ findings [37].

The A.C. Electrical Properties of (PMMA-PEO /Si) Nanocomposites
Dielectric constant (ɛ’) and dielectric loss (ɛ’’) of (PMMA-PEO /Si) Nanocomposites
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss vary with frequency for nanocomposites composed of (PMMA-PEO/Si). The photos demonstrate that Maxwell-Wagner polarization leads to increased dielectric constants and losses at low frequencies. However, when the frequency escalates, these values diminish across all samples. The interaction between insulators and conductors generates this polarization. The accumulation of dipoles or space charges at interfaces leads to polarization on those surfaces. As the frequency of the applied electric field decreases, the response time of the space charges lengthens. However, the polarization effect decreases when the electric field oscillates rapidly within the higher frequency range. The dielectric loss and dielectric constant decrease with increasing frequency. This behavior corroborates the researchers’ results [34].
Figs. 5 and 6 depict the relationship between the dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of the density of (PMM-PEO/Si) nanoparticles at ambient temperature and (100) Hz. We calculate the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PMM-PEO/Si using the equations (ɛ’ = Cp/Co) and (ɛ’’ = ɛ›D). Darker and smaller areas indicate a reduced concentration of (PMM-PEO/Si) nanoparticles. These patches form at a concentration similar to that of PMM-PEO/Si nanoparticles. The network will have overlapping paths that interlink some locations with many nanoparticles, enhancing the mobility of charge carriers. As the density of (PMM-PEO/Si) nanoparticles increases, both the dielectric constant and dielectric loss grow, attributed to the enhanced number of free charge carriers and polarization charges. This discovery aligns with [34,35].

A.C Electrical conductivity of (PMMA-PEO /Si) nanocomposites
The A.C. conductivity of nanocomposites is calculated by using the equation (σA.C = 𝜔 ℰo ℰ’’). Fig. 7 for a visual representation of the (PMMA-PEO/Si) nanocomposites’ varying AC electrical conductivity. The relationship between this fluctuation and the room temperature electric field frequency is shown. Alternating current has a higher electrical conductivity at higher frequencies, as seen in the picture. This is due to the fact that an increase in conductivity is caused by space charge polarization [36]. Two factors that play a role in thisphenomena are the polarization of space charges at low frequencies and the enhancement of charge carriers to higher conduction band states [37,38]. Conductivity improves with increasing frequency due to electronic polarization and the mobility of charge carriers. Two variables that influence alternating current’s conducting capacity are the main chain’s velocity and the passage of ions. Using a frequency of 100 hertz, Fig. 8 shows how the electrical conductivity of the PEO-PMMA mix is affected by the quantity of Si nanoparticles. Elevated alternating current electrical conductivity is a result of an increase in the charge carrier density inside the polymer medium, which is caused by the concentration of Si nanoparticles[39,40].

Application of (PMMA-PEG/Si) Nanocomposites for Antibacterial Activity
A graphic depiction of the inhibitory zones for Staphylococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae is presented in Fig. 9. The antibacterial efficacy of nanocomposites made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The efficacy of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and silicon (Si) was evaluated against both gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative microorganisms (Klebsiella pneumoniae). The data indicate that the width of the inhibitory zones rises with the density of Si nanoparticles [34]. The rise is from 0 mm to 23 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae and from 0 mm to 24 mm for Staphylococcus aureus in the PMMA-PEO/Si. The efficacy of the nanocomposites as antibacterial agents may be ascribed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by various nanoparticle compounds. The oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be the primary mechanism behind the antibacterial activity of nanoparticle-based nanocomposites. A variety of radicals are included by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These radicals comprise there exist four categories of radicals: superoxide (O₂), hydroxyl (-OH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and singlet oxygen (-O₂).
In bacteria, it has the capacity to inflict harm on both DNA and proteins. The production of reactive oxygen species by silicon dioxide may have contributed to the inhibition of the most dangerous microorganisms. Conversely, the nanoparticles included inside the nanocomposites possess negative charges, resulting in an electromagnetic attraction between them and the associated microorganisms. Following the formation of the attraction, the microorganisms will undergo oxidation and ultimately perish [35]. Concerning the nanocomposites consisting of PMMA-PEO/Si, the width of the inhibitory zone is shown in Table 1 [41,42].

CONCLUSION
FTIR measurement indicated the absence of chemical interaction between the silicon nanoparticles and the polymers utilized in the PMMA-PEO/Si nanocomposites. FESEM analysis demonstrated the uniformity of the silicon and PMMA-PEO nanocomposites, indicating that the average grain size diminished with increasing Si concentration. The analysis demonstrated a reduction in the dielectric constant ɛ› of the samples as the applied electric field intensity increased, a tendency that aligns with the observed patterns of dielectric loss ɛ››. The augmented frequency improved the alternating current electrical conductivity of the PMMA-PEO/Si nanocomposites. Both dielectric loss and dielectric constant values escalated across all concentration combinations with the augmentation of silicon dioxide content. The antibacterial efficacy of the PMMA-PEO/Si nanocomposites demonstrated that the inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae expanded with higher concentrations of silicon nanoparticles. This illustrates the capabilities of nanoparticles in medical applications, including the eradication and suppression of microorganisms, as well as in electrical and industrial domains.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this manuscript.