Tailored Ni-Zn-Cu ferrite/EPDM nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted properties for mechanical and electrical applications

초록

In this study, we prepared Ni-Zn-Cu Fe2O4 ferrite/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. First, Ni-Zn-Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized with a tailored composition of NiZn(0.3)Cu(0.2)Fe2O4(2). Subsequently, these nanoparticles were incorporated into the EPDM rubber matrix through a two-roll mixing mill. Scanning electron microscopy and x-rays diffraction techniques were used to explore their morphology and structure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify metal-oxygen bonds in the nanoparticles and their incorporation in the nanocomposites. Similarly, curing properties, including optimum cure time, scorch time, and torque profiles, were evaluated using a moving die rheometer. While, mechanical properties of these composites, such as tensile strength and Young's modulus, were determined with a universal testing machine. Tensile strength improved from 0.11 MPa to 0.22 MPa (100% increase), whereas, the Young's modulus increased from 0.03 MPa to 0.052 MPa (86% increase). Additionally, we investigated the dielectric properties of these nanocomposites, encompassing permittivity, resistivity, and dielectric constant, using a dielectric properties analyzer. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in dielectric resistivity of nanocomposites (from 33.2 G Omega to 23.38 G Omega) upon the introduction of Ni-Zn-Cu Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles, indicating the formation of a continuous nanofiller network within the EPDM matrix. Interestingly, as the nanofiller loading increased, both dielectric permittivity and dielectric constant exhibited a gradual rise. The permittivity value increased from 2.31 to 2.39 (Fm-1), while the dielectric constant increased from 0.0091 to 0.0179. Polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties. image

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