Fabrication and Characterization of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Dispersed Epoxy Nanocomposites

Muhammad Abdullah Al Mamun; Md. Abdus  Sabur; Md. Abdul  Gafur; Hrithita  Aftab; G.M. Shafiur  Rahman

doi:10.38032/jea.2021.02.005

Authors

Muhammad Abdullah Al Mamun Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
Md. Abdus Sabur 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
Md. Abdul Gafur Institute of Pilot Plant and Process Development Centre, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Hrithita Aftab Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh
G.M. Shafiur Rahman Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/jea.2021.02.005

Keywords:

α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles, Nanocomposites, Mechanical Properties, Epoxy Resin, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

Abstract

Hematite(α-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel process and further mixed with epoxy resin to obtain the nanocomposites. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles have an average diameter of about 30 nm, also illustrated the crystal structure and morphology of the nanomaterials. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the functional groups that were present in α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, neat epoxy andα-Fe₂O₃/epoxy nanocomposites. Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) analysis exhibits the magnetic hysteresis curve and revealed that α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were superparamagnetic. Tensile testing was performed to obtain the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, young modulus and required energy to deform the materials. Vickers micro-hardness test showed the surface hardness of the nanocomposites. Flexural strength also measured, which indicate the strength of nanocomposites against bending. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measurement showed the thermal properties of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and its influence into the epoxy matrix. UV-Vis spectroscopy was performed to obtain the optical band gap energy of the nanocomposites. DC-resistivity measurements showed a significant influence of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on the dc-electrical properties of the epoxy matrix.

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