Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane Composites with Nickel Nanoparticles: Unification and Current–Voltage Relationship

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 22 29
    By

    Ashish Kumar,

  • Pankaj Kumar Modi,

  1. Research Scholar,, Department of Physics, College of Commerce, Arts & Science, A Constituent Unit of Pataliputra University,, Patna, BihaR, India
  2. Assistant Professor,, Department of Physics,College of Commerce, Arts & Science, A Constituent Unit of Pataliputra University,, Patna, Bihar, India

Abstract

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–nickel nanoparticle (NiNPs) nanocomposite films were fabricated and systematically investigated to understand their electrical transport behavior through current–voltage (I–V) characterization. Nanocomposite films with varying Ni nanoparticle filler concentrations (14.88 wt%, 15.77 wt%, and 16.65 wt%) were prepared using a solution-mixing and spin-coating technique, followed by controlled thermal curing. The electrical properties of both pristine PDMS and PDMS– NiNPs nanocomposites were examined over a wide voltage range (up to 800 V) and across a temperature interval of 313 K to 363 K. The I–V characteristics of all prepared samples exhibited pronounced non-linear behavior, confirming non-Ohmic conduction mechanisms. Incorporation of nickel nanoparticles significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity of PDMS, with the maximum current observed for the 16.65 wt% NiNPs-loaded film. At a fixed temperature of 313 K and an applied voltage of 200 V, the current increased markedly with increasing NiNP concentration, attributed to the higher density of charge carriers and improved formation of conductive pathways within the polymer matrix. However, at lower filler content (14.88 wt%), a reduction in current was observed, likely due to the absence of a continuous conductive network. Temperature-dependent current measurements revealed two distinct conduction regions separated near 343 K, close to the glass transition temperature of PDMS. Above this temperature, a sharp increase in current was observed, associated with polymer softening and enhanced connectivity of conducting networks. The temperature dependence of resistance followed the Mott variable range hopping model, indicating thermally assisted charge transport. These findings demonstrate that NiNP  concentration and temperature play crucial roles in tailoring the electrical behavior of PDMS-based nanocomposites, highlighting their potential for applications in flexible electronics, sensors, and dielectric devices.

Keywords: Keywords: Conductivity, current–voltage relationship, electrical properties, I–V characterization, NiNPs– PDMS nanocomposite film, resistive behavior.

[This article belongs to Journal of Nanoscience, NanoEngineering & Applications ]

How to cite this article:
Ashish Kumar, Pankaj Kumar Modi. Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane Composites with Nickel Nanoparticles: Unification and Current–Voltage Relationship. Journal of Nanoscience, NanoEngineering & Applications. 2026; 16(01):22-29.
How to cite this URL:
Ashish Kumar, Pankaj Kumar Modi. Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane Composites with Nickel Nanoparticles: Unification and Current–Voltage Relationship. Journal of Nanoscience, NanoEngineering & Applications. 2026; 16(01):22-29. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jonsnea/article=2026/view=239222


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 12/12/2025
Accepted 05/02/2026
Published 20/02/2026
Publication Time 70 Days
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