Green synthesis of PVC/ZnO nanoparticles: microstructure, thermal properties, optical behavior, radiation shielding efficiency, and mechanical performance

• Successful green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Capsicum Annuum L. • Integration of ZnO NPs into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. • Enhanced optical and radiation shielding properties of PVC/ZnO films with increasing ZnO content. • Improved mechanical properties of PVC films with varying ZnO doping levels. • Potential of eco-friendly PVC/ZnO nanocomposites for diverse applications. This research details a sustainable, green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) extract and their incorporation into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix to fabricate high-performance nanocomposite films. Characterization confirmed the formation of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO-NPs with an average crystallite size of 10–20 nm, which were homogeneously dispersed within the PVC matrix. The inclusion of ZnO-NPs significantly enhanced the material’s properties. Thermal stability improved, with the degradation onset temperature increasing from 343 °C to 350 °C. Mechanically, tensile strength rised 60 to 75 N, and elongation at break more than doubled from 6 % to 13 %. Optical analysis revealed a reduction in the material’s direct band gap from 5.13 to 5.07 eV. Furthermore, radiation shielding capabilities were bolstered, evidenced by an increased LAC (from 0.133 to 0.143 cm −1 ). This work presents an eco-friendly method for developing multifunctional PVC nanocomposites with promising applications in advanced biomedical and nuclear fields.