RESUMEN
In this work, the effect of etching the surface of polymer matrix nanocomposites with atmospheric pressure plasma targeting to achieve enhanced dielectric properties was investigated. Polymer nanocomposites, with varying reinforcing phase content, were modified by atmospheric-pressure plasma resulting in an increase in the surface filler's concentration. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix nanocomposites reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared and dielectrically studied as a function of the nanoparticle content and the plasma modified surfaces. The electrical response of the composite systems was studied by means of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. The dielectric permittivity increased with the embedded phase content and with plasma surface treatment. Energy density followed the same trend as dielectric permittivity, and the plasma-treated nanocomposite with the higher ZnO content exhibited approximately 27% higher energy density compared to the unreinforced matrix.
RESUMEN
The aim of this study is to use fly ash powder in an environmentally friendly matrix, in a novel way, addressing environmental and disposal problems. Fly ash/epoxy composites were prepared and studied varying the filler content. An investigation of structural and morphological characteristics was conducted using of X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy images, which revealed the successful fabrication of composites. Thermomechanical properties were studied via dynamic mechanical analysis and static mechanical tests. The composites exhibited an improved mechanical response. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was used to investigate the dielectric response of the composite systems over the frequency range from 10-1 to 107 Hz and the temperature range from 30 to 160 °C. The analysis revealed the presence of three relaxation processes in the spectra of the tested systems. Interfacial polarization, the glass-to-rubber transition of the polymer matrix, and the rearrangement of polar side groups along the polymer chain are the processes that occur under a descending relaxation time. It was found that dielectric permittivity increases with filler content. Finally, the influence of filler content and the applied voltage under dc conditions was analyzed to determine the ability of the composites to store and retrieve electric energy. Fly ash improved the efficiency of the storing/retrieving energy of the composites.
RESUMEN
Polymer matrix nanocomposites are widely studied because of the versatility of their physical and mechanical properties. When these properties are present simultaneously, responding at relative stimuli, multifunctional performance is achieved. In this study, hybrid nanocomposites of SrFe12O19 and BaTiO3 ceramic particles dispersed in an epoxy resin matrix were fabricated and characterized. The content of SrFe12O19 was varying, while the amount of BaTiO3 was kept constant. The successful fabrication of the nanocomposites and the fine dispersion of the ceramic particles was verified via the morphological and structural characterization carried out with X-ray Diffraction patterns and Scanning Electron Microscopy images. Dielectric response and related relaxation phenomena were studied by means of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy. Dielectric permittivity augments with filler content, while the recorded relaxations, with descending relaxation time, are: (i) interfacial polarization, (ii) glass-to-rubber transition, (iii) intermediate dipolar effect, and (iv) re-orientation of polar-side groups of the main polymer chain. SrFe12O19 nanoparticles induce magnetic properties to the nanocomposites, which alter with the magnetic filler content. Static and dynamic mechanical response improves with filler content. Thermogravimetric analysis shown that ceramic particles are beneficial to the nanocomposites' thermal stability. Glass transition temperature, determined via Differential Scanning Calorimetry, was found to slightly vary with filler content, in accordance with the results from dynamic mechanical and dielectric analysis, indicating the effect of interactions occurring between the constituents. Examined systems are suitable for energy storing/retrieving.
RESUMEN
In this study, hybrid nanocomposites consisting of Fe3O4/BaTiO3/epoxy resin were prepared with varying amounts of filer content. Structural and morphological characterization, conducted via X-Ray Diffraction patterns and Scanning Electron Microscopy images, revealed the successful fabrication of composites and fine dispersion of inclusions. Thermomechanical properties are studied via Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and static mechanical tests. Hybrid composites exhibit enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical response. Indicatively, Young's modulus, tensile strength and fracture toughness increase from 1.26 GPa, 22.25 MPa, and 3.03 kJ/m3 for the neat epoxy to 1.39 GPa, 45.73 MPa, and 41.08 kJ/m3 for the composites with 20 or 15 parts per hundred resin per mass (phr) of Fe3O4, respectively. Electrical behavior is investigated via Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy and ac conductivity measurements. The real part of dielectric permittivity reaches the value of 11.11 at 30 °C for the composite with 40 phr of Fe3O4. The ability to store and retrieve electric energy on the nanocomposites is examined with the following parameters: the filler content and the applied voltage under dc conditions. Retrieved energy reaches 79.23% of the stored one, for the system with 15 phr of Fe3O4. Magnetic response is studied via a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. Magnetic saturation, for the system with the highest magnetic filler content, obtains the value of 25.38 Am2/kg, while pure magnetic powder attains the value of 86.75 Am2/kg. Finally, the multifunctional performance of the nanocomposites is assessed regarding all the exerted stimuli and the optimum behavior is discussed.