In situ emulsion polymerization of poly (vinyl acetate) and asparagus racemosus biopolymer composites for flexible energy storage applications

Abstract Polymer composites reinforced with synthetic materials are losing acceptability due to significant environmental concerns and high costs. Natural fillers are becoming increasingly popular due to their non‐toxicity, lightweight, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness. In the present work, poly (vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and asparagus racemosus (AR) bio‐composites have been prepared by an in‐situ emulsion polymerization method. The composite films were subsequently examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), optical microscope, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of AR in PVAc composite was confirmed by the characteristic AR band at 3300 cm −1 in FT‐IR spectra. X‐ray diffraction studies showed a shift in the amorphous peak of PVAc/AR composites compared to pure PVAc. The AFM, FE‐SEM, and optical microscopic results revealed the uniform distribution of AR in the polymer matrix. DSC and TGA measurements showed that the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of PVAc increased with the inclusion of bio‐filler. The tensile strength, hardness, dielectric constant and AC conductivity of PVAc were observed to increases with boehmite inclusion, whereas elongation at break is reduced. As a result, environmentally friendly PVAc/AR composites with good mechanical, thermal and electrical properties could be a viable green substitute for energy storage, flexible electronic, and other electrochemical devices.