Abstract
In this article, optical, thermal and electrical properties of different wt% of TbMnO3
(TMO) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded
poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films are reported in detail. The films are structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy
and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Optical parameters such as optical band gap energy
Eg , Urbach energy EU are calculated. Red shift in the absorption band of the nanocomposite films indicates the complex
formation between the nanofiller and the matrix. Thermal strength increases in TMO-PVA films than the pure PVA film. A
reduction in the glass transition temperature TG of the nanocomposite films is noticed with the insertion of TMO NPs in the
PVA matrix. DC conductivity of the samples is explained by Mott’s variable range hopping model, Greave’s model, small
polaron hopping model, non-adiabatic hopping model to explain the conduction mechanism. Modified Cole–Cole model
explains the frequency variation of dielectric spectra. The relaxation peak position shifts towards lower frequency region
with the inclusion of TMO filler in the PVA matrix indicating the decrease in mobility of the dipolar functional groups in the
polymer chain. Modified Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts model is applied to explain the frequency dependent electric modulus
spectra. AC conductivity of the films is explained by Jonscher’s power law. Correlated barrier hopping model is applied here.
The presence of large current of the films at zero voltage may be due to the presence of ferroelectricity in the nanocomposite
systems. Oxygen related defect states exist in the polymeric system which exhibit trapping of the charge carriers.

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• Influence on loading terbium manganate on optical, thermal and electrical properties of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films