Synthesis and characterization of ZnO-CNTs filled PVA composite as EM detector

Electromagnetic (EM) detectors in Seabed Logging require very high sensitivity and high accuracy for hydrocarbon exploration. An earnest effort was done to develop an EM detector made of ZnO-Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) filled composite. Single phase ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized at calcining temperature of 250 and 350°C by self combustion and sol gel methods. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) was done to evaluate the phase and surface morphology of the samples. XRD result shows single phase structure with major peak of [101]. The morphology of ZnO is nanospheres in shape. Based on the characterization techniques, ZnO prepared by sol gel was taken as the best sample for the detection of EM waves. Polyvinyl alcohol was mixed with ZnO nanoparticels and carbon nanotubes to fabricate the EM composite detector. It has been observed that ZnO with CNTs fillers composite detector has the ability to enhance the detection of EM waves up to 70% comparing to those without fillers. © 2011 Asian Network for Scientific Information