The microbial immobilization method using polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） gel as an immobilizing material was improved and used for entrapment of activated sludge. The oxygen uptake rate （OUR） was used to characterize the...The microbial immobilization method using polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） gel as an immobilizing material was improved and used for entrapment of activated sludge. The oxygen uptake rate （OUR） was used to characterize the biological activity of immobilized activated sludge. Three kinds of PVA-immobilized particles of activated sludge, that is, PVA-boric acid beads, PVA-sodium nitrate beads and PVA-orthophosphate beads were prepared, and their biological activity was compared by measuring the OUR value. The bioactivity of both autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms of activated sludge was determined using different synthetic wastewater media （containing 250 mg/L COD and 25 mg/L NH4^＋ -N）. The experimental results showed that the bioactivity and stability of the three kinds of immobilized activated sludge was greatly improved after activation. With respect of the bioactivity and the mechanical stability, the PVA-orthophosphate method may be a promising and economical technique for microbial immobilization.展开更多
Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and na...Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and natural skin are substantially different.Here,we developed a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/acrylamide based interpenetrating network(IPN)hydrogel that was surface modified with polydopamine(PDA)and termed Dopa-gel.The Dopa-gel exhibited mechanical properties similar to native skin tissue and a superior ability to modulate paracrine functions.Furthermore,a tough scaffold with tensile resistance was fabricated using this hydrogel by three-dimensional printing.The results showed that the interpenetration of PVA,alginate,and polyacrylamide networks notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel.Surface modification with PDA endowed the hydrogels with increased secretion of immunomodulatory and proangiogenic factors.In an in vivo model,Dopa-gel treatment accelerated wound closure,increased vascularization,and promoted a shift in macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a prohealing and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype within the wound area.Mechanistically,the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase(ERK)signaling pathway may mediate the promotion of skin defect healing by increasing paracrine secretion via the Dopa-gel.Additionally,proangiogenic factors can be induced through Rho-associated kinase-2(ROCK-2)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated paracrine secretion under tensile stress conditions.Taken together,these findings suggest that the multifunctional Dopa-gel,which has good mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue and enhanced immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties,is a promising scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.展开更多
The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and...The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.展开更多
Wounds pose a risk to the skin,our body's primary defence against infections.The rise of antibiotic resistance has prompted the development of novel therapies.RO-101^(■)is an antimicrobial gel that delivers thera...Wounds pose a risk to the skin,our body's primary defence against infections.The rise of antibiotic resistance has prompted the development of novel therapies.RO-101^(■)is an antimicrobial gel that delivers therapeutic levels of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)),a reactive oxygen species,directly to the wound bed.In this study,electrospinning was used to incorporate RO-101^(■)into a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)sub-micron fibrous mesh that can act as a delivery agent,achieve a sustained release profile,and provide a barrier against infection.Adequate incorporation of this gel into sub-micron fibres was confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Furthermore,scanning electron microscopy exhibited smooth and uniform meshes with diameters in the 200-500 nm range.PVA/RO-101 electrospun meshes generated H_(2)O_(2) in concentrations exceeding 1 m M/(g·m L)(1 m M=1 mmol/L)after 24 h,and the role of sterilisation on H_(2)O_(2) release was evaluated.PVA/RO-101meshes exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)bacteria,achieving viable count reductions of up to 1 log unit CFU/mm^(2)(CFU:colony-forming units).Moreover,these meshes were capable of disrupting biofilm formation,even against multidrug-resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA).Furthermore,increasing the RO-101^(■)concentration resulted in higher H_(2)O_(2) production and an enhanced antimicrobial effect,while fibroblast cell viability and proliferation tests showed a concentration-dependent response with high cytocompatibility at low RO-101^(■)concentrations.This study therefore demonstrates the potential of highly absorbent PVA/RO-101 meshes as potential antimicrobial wound dressings.展开更多
Using polysulfone （PSF） hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes as the substrate, sodium alginate （SA） and polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） blend solutions as the coating solution, and maleic anhydride （MAC） as the cros...Using polysulfone （PSF） hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes as the substrate, sodium alginate （SA） and polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） blend solutions as the coating solution, and maleic anhydride （MAC） as the cross-linked agent, SAPVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membranes were prepared for the dehydration of ethanol-water. The effects of different sodium alginate concentration in the coating solutions and different operating temperatures on pervaporation performance were investigated. The experimental results showed that pervaporation performance of the SA-PVA/PSF composite membranes for ethanol-water solution exhibited a high separation factor although they had a relatively low permeation flux. As SA concentration in SA-PVA coating solution was 66.7% and the operating temperature was 40 ℃, SA-PVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membrane （PS4） had a separation factor of 886 and flux of 12.6 g/（m^2·h）. Besides, SA-PVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membranes （PS3 and PS4） were used for the investigation of the effect of ethanol concentration in the feed solution on pervaporation performance.展开更多
The influence of relative humidity( RH) on the properties of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol( PVA) nanofibers that might determine the application of nanofibers in high-efficiency air filters is not clear. PVA nanofiber...The influence of relative humidity( RH) on the properties of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol( PVA) nanofibers that might determine the application of nanofibers in high-efficiency air filters is not clear. PVA nanofiber mat was prepared between two hot airthrough ES( polyethyene( PE) and polypropylene( PP) composite fiber) non-woven substrates as a sandwich structure nanofiber composite filter using an electrospinning technique combining with an ultrasonic sewing process. The filtering mechanism of the composite was discussed in detail. The effects of nanofiber diameters,nanofiber layer thickness and RH in environment on the properties of PVA nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy( SEM), X-ray diffraction( XRD), automatic filter tester and universal strength tester. The results showed that the PVA nanofiber composite fabrics had high filtration efficiency with lowpressure drop and there was a negative correlation between filtration efficiency and nanofiber diameter. After keeping in a high RH environment for several hours, the mechanical property of PVA nanofiber composites was deteriorated but the high filtration efficiency was increased.展开更多
Pure and doped Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) films, for the detection of infrared radiation, have been well documented using the mechanism of pyroelectricity. Alternatively, the electrical properties of films made ...Pure and doped Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) films, for the detection of infrared radiation, have been well documented using the mechanism of pyroelectricity. Alternatively, the electrical properties of films made from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) have received considerable attention in recent years. The investigation of surface resistivities of both such films, to this point, has received far less consideration in comparison to pyroelectric effects. In this research, we report temperature dependent surface resistivity measurements of commercial, and of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), or Ag-nanoparticle doped PVA films. Without any variation in the temperature range from 22°C to 40°C with controlled humidity, we found that the surface resistivity decreases initially, reaches a minimum, but rises steadily as the temperature continues to increase. This research was conducted with the combined instrumentation of the Keithley Model 6517 Electrometer and Keithley Model 8009 resistivity test fixture using both commercial and in-house produced organic thin films. With the objective to quantify the suitability of PVDF and PVA films as IR detector materials, when using the surface resistivity phenomenon, instead of or in addition to the pyroelectricity, surface resistivity measurements are reported when considering bolometry. We found that the surface resistivity measurements on PVA films were readily implemented.展开更多
Increasing usage of foams in various industry sectors had causing serious disposal problems once it reaches the end of its life-cycle.Herein,PVA-MFC foam was prepared by freeze-drying using polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)and m...Increasing usage of foams in various industry sectors had causing serious disposal problems once it reaches the end of its life-cycle.Herein,PVA-MFC foam was prepared by freeze-drying using polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)and microfibrillated cellulose(MFC)as a reinforced material from sugarcane bagasse(SCB).In this study,the PVA-MFC foam was chemically silylated with Y-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane(MPS)and tetraethoxysilane(TEOS).The wetting ability and mechanical strength of the silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam was greatly enhanced compared with unmodified_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam.The silane chemicals(MPS and TEOS)had been confirmed grafted on_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam due to the presence of Si-C and Si-O-C stretching vibration as showed in Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)spectra and cloud-like coating of porous pore was observed in scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images.The silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam(MPS and TEOS)exhibited a series of desirable properties such as lower swelling ratio and high absorption capacity of solvents and oils but had low thermal stability in thermogravimetric(TGA)analysis.The characterization of_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam using TEOS was further investigated.A significant difference in morphology was clearly observed between the unmodified and silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam through field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)images.The X-ray photoelectron(XPS)analysis of silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam confirmed the presence of C,O and trace amount of Si elements.These synthesized_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam could be a promising material for broad range of polymer foam applications.展开更多
PVA （Polyvinyl Alcohol） is a water soluble organic dielectric, easily solution processed to fabricate films by spin coating, dip coating or inkjet printing. It has been used as a dielectric layer in OTFTs （organic ...PVA （Polyvinyl Alcohol） is a water soluble organic dielectric, easily solution processed to fabricate films by spin coating, dip coating or inkjet printing. It has been used as a dielectric layer in OTFTs （organic thin film transistors）, and its dielectric constant is around 3.5-10. For OTFTs operating at lower voltage, it is desirable to increase the dielectric constant. Here, we report a technique to incorporate upto 50 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles （15-25 nm） in PVA to increase its dielectric constant. Rutile phase of TiO2 is used, because of its higher dielectric constant （e = 114） compared to anatase phase （E = 31）. We have made inks containing 10 and 50 wt% （of PVA） TiO2 nanoparticles, which is stable upto six months. PVA-TiO2 dispersions and PVA （without TiO2） were spin coated on indium tin oxide coated polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Film structure was studied using SEM （scanning electron microscopy）. Absorption study of the films confirms presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. M-I-M capacitors were fabricated by thermally evaporating aluminium on top of the dielectric films. We observed enhancement in dielectric constant by a factor of 2 for PVA containing 50 wt% TiO2 in comparison to PVA＇s dielectric constant. There is no concomitant increase in the leakage current.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50327802,50325824,50678089).
文摘The microbial immobilization method using polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） gel as an immobilizing material was improved and used for entrapment of activated sludge. The oxygen uptake rate （OUR） was used to characterize the biological activity of immobilized activated sludge. Three kinds of PVA-immobilized particles of activated sludge, that is, PVA-boric acid beads, PVA-sodium nitrate beads and PVA-orthophosphate beads were prepared, and their biological activity was compared by measuring the OUR value. The bioactivity of both autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms of activated sludge was determined using different synthetic wastewater media （containing 250 mg/L COD and 25 mg/L NH4^＋ -N）. The experimental results showed that the bioactivity and stability of the three kinds of immobilized activated sludge was greatly improved after activation. With respect of the bioactivity and the mechanical stability, the PVA-orthophosphate method may be a promising and economical technique for microbial immobilization.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32271413 and 32271408)the National Basic Research Program of China(2021YFA1201404)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20232023)the Science Program of Jiangsu Province Administration for Market Regulation(KJ2024010)the Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Center Foundation,and the Jiangsu Provincial Medical Outstanding Talent Foundation.
文摘Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and natural skin are substantially different.Here,we developed a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/acrylamide based interpenetrating network(IPN)hydrogel that was surface modified with polydopamine(PDA)and termed Dopa-gel.The Dopa-gel exhibited mechanical properties similar to native skin tissue and a superior ability to modulate paracrine functions.Furthermore,a tough scaffold with tensile resistance was fabricated using this hydrogel by three-dimensional printing.The results showed that the interpenetration of PVA,alginate,and polyacrylamide networks notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel.Surface modification with PDA endowed the hydrogels with increased secretion of immunomodulatory and proangiogenic factors.In an in vivo model,Dopa-gel treatment accelerated wound closure,increased vascularization,and promoted a shift in macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a prohealing and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype within the wound area.Mechanistically,the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase(ERK)signaling pathway may mediate the promotion of skin defect healing by increasing paracrine secretion via the Dopa-gel.Additionally,proangiogenic factors can be induced through Rho-associated kinase-2(ROCK-2)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated paracrine secretion under tensile stress conditions.Taken together,these findings suggest that the multifunctional Dopa-gel,which has good mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue and enhanced immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties,is a promising scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.
文摘The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.
基金supported by Matoke Holdings,the United Kingdom(UK)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC)Doctoral Prize Fellowship(No.EP/R513131/1)the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials,funded through EPSRC grants(Nos.EP/R00661X/1,EP/S019367/1,EP/P025021/1,and EP/P025498/1)+1 种基金Ruth Edge and Kevin Warren(Dalton Nuclear Institute,The University of Manchester)for facilitating gamma sterilisation for our samplesfinancial support from Matoke Holdings。
文摘Wounds pose a risk to the skin,our body's primary defence against infections.The rise of antibiotic resistance has prompted the development of novel therapies.RO-101^(■)is an antimicrobial gel that delivers therapeutic levels of hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)),a reactive oxygen species,directly to the wound bed.In this study,electrospinning was used to incorporate RO-101^(■)into a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)sub-micron fibrous mesh that can act as a delivery agent,achieve a sustained release profile,and provide a barrier against infection.Adequate incorporation of this gel into sub-micron fibres was confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Furthermore,scanning electron microscopy exhibited smooth and uniform meshes with diameters in the 200-500 nm range.PVA/RO-101 electrospun meshes generated H_(2)O_(2) in concentrations exceeding 1 m M/(g·m L)(1 m M=1 mmol/L)after 24 h,and the role of sterilisation on H_(2)O_(2) release was evaluated.PVA/RO-101meshes exhibited antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa)bacteria,achieving viable count reductions of up to 1 log unit CFU/mm^(2)(CFU:colony-forming units).Moreover,these meshes were capable of disrupting biofilm formation,even against multidrug-resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA).Furthermore,increasing the RO-101^(■)concentration resulted in higher H_(2)O_(2) production and an enhanced antimicrobial effect,while fibroblast cell viability and proliferation tests showed a concentration-dependent response with high cytocompatibility at low RO-101^(■)concentrations.This study therefore demonstrates the potential of highly absorbent PVA/RO-101 meshes as potential antimicrobial wound dressings.
基金Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No.2003CB615705)
文摘Using polysulfone （PSF） hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes as the substrate, sodium alginate （SA） and polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） blend solutions as the coating solution, and maleic anhydride （MAC） as the cross-linked agent, SAPVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membranes were prepared for the dehydration of ethanol-water. The effects of different sodium alginate concentration in the coating solutions and different operating temperatures on pervaporation performance were investigated. The experimental results showed that pervaporation performance of the SA-PVA/PSF composite membranes for ethanol-water solution exhibited a high separation factor although they had a relatively low permeation flux. As SA concentration in SA-PVA coating solution was 66.7% and the operating temperature was 40 ℃, SA-PVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membrane （PS4） had a separation factor of 886 and flux of 12.6 g/（m^2·h）. Besides, SA-PVA/PSF hollow fiber composite membranes （PS3 and PS4） were used for the investigation of the effect of ethanol concentration in the feed solution on pervaporation performance.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51573133)Foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of China(No.201255)+2 种基金Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of China(No.NCET-12-1063)Tianjin Natural Science Foundation of China(No.14JCYBJC17600)The Science and Technology Plans of Tianjin,China(No.15PTSYJC00230)
文摘The influence of relative humidity( RH) on the properties of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol( PVA) nanofibers that might determine the application of nanofibers in high-efficiency air filters is not clear. PVA nanofiber mat was prepared between two hot airthrough ES( polyethyene( PE) and polypropylene( PP) composite fiber) non-woven substrates as a sandwich structure nanofiber composite filter using an electrospinning technique combining with an ultrasonic sewing process. The filtering mechanism of the composite was discussed in detail. The effects of nanofiber diameters,nanofiber layer thickness and RH in environment on the properties of PVA nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy( SEM), X-ray diffraction( XRD), automatic filter tester and universal strength tester. The results showed that the PVA nanofiber composite fabrics had high filtration efficiency with lowpressure drop and there was a negative correlation between filtration efficiency and nanofiber diameter. After keeping in a high RH environment for several hours, the mechanical property of PVA nanofiber composites was deteriorated but the high filtration efficiency was increased.
文摘Pure and doped Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) films, for the detection of infrared radiation, have been well documented using the mechanism of pyroelectricity. Alternatively, the electrical properties of films made from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) have received considerable attention in recent years. The investigation of surface resistivities of both such films, to this point, has received far less consideration in comparison to pyroelectric effects. In this research, we report temperature dependent surface resistivity measurements of commercial, and of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), or Ag-nanoparticle doped PVA films. Without any variation in the temperature range from 22°C to 40°C with controlled humidity, we found that the surface resistivity decreases initially, reaches a minimum, but rises steadily as the temperature continues to increase. This research was conducted with the combined instrumentation of the Keithley Model 6517 Electrometer and Keithley Model 8009 resistivity test fixture using both commercial and in-house produced organic thin films. With the objective to quantify the suitability of PVDF and PVA films as IR detector materials, when using the surface resistivity phenomenon, instead of or in addition to the pyroelectricity, surface resistivity measurements are reported when considering bolometry. We found that the surface resistivity measurements on PVA films were readily implemented.
基金support provided by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia under grant FRGS 16-044-0543 and FRGS19-091-0700.
文摘Increasing usage of foams in various industry sectors had causing serious disposal problems once it reaches the end of its life-cycle.Herein,PVA-MFC foam was prepared by freeze-drying using polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)and microfibrillated cellulose(MFC)as a reinforced material from sugarcane bagasse(SCB).In this study,the PVA-MFC foam was chemically silylated with Y-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane(MPS)and tetraethoxysilane(TEOS).The wetting ability and mechanical strength of the silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam was greatly enhanced compared with unmodified_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam.The silane chemicals(MPS and TEOS)had been confirmed grafted on_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam due to the presence of Si-C and Si-O-C stretching vibration as showed in Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)spectra and cloud-like coating of porous pore was observed in scanning electron microscopy(SEM)images.The silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam(MPS and TEOS)exhibited a series of desirable properties such as lower swelling ratio and high absorption capacity of solvents and oils but had low thermal stability in thermogravimetric(TGA)analysis.The characterization of_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam using TEOS was further investigated.A significant difference in morphology was clearly observed between the unmodified and silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam through field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM)images.The X-ray photoelectron(XPS)analysis of silylated_(2,20)PVA-MFC-TEOS foam confirmed the presence of C,O and trace amount of Si elements.These synthesized_(2,20)PVA-MFC foam could be a promising material for broad range of polymer foam applications.
文摘PVA （Polyvinyl Alcohol） is a water soluble organic dielectric, easily solution processed to fabricate films by spin coating, dip coating or inkjet printing. It has been used as a dielectric layer in OTFTs （organic thin film transistors）, and its dielectric constant is around 3.5-10. For OTFTs operating at lower voltage, it is desirable to increase the dielectric constant. Here, we report a technique to incorporate upto 50 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles （15-25 nm） in PVA to increase its dielectric constant. Rutile phase of TiO2 is used, because of its higher dielectric constant （e = 114） compared to anatase phase （E = 31）. We have made inks containing 10 and 50 wt% （of PVA） TiO2 nanoparticles, which is stable upto six months. PVA-TiO2 dispersions and PVA （without TiO2） were spin coated on indium tin oxide coated polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Film structure was studied using SEM （scanning electron microscopy）. Absorption study of the films confirms presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. M-I-M capacitors were fabricated by thermally evaporating aluminium on top of the dielectric films. We observed enhancement in dielectric constant by a factor of 2 for PVA containing 50 wt% TiO2 in comparison to PVA＇s dielectric constant. There is no concomitant increase in the leakage current.
