Nano iron particles influence on mechanical properties and morphological analysis of polymer composites

• Published in: Matéria Vol. 30
• Main Authors: Palanisamy, Srenatthan, Palanisami, Kulandaivelu, Madeshwaren, Vairavel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Laboratório de Hidrogênio, Coppe - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; em cooperação com a Associação Brasileira do Hidrogênio, ABH2 2025
• Subjects: CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY; MATERIALS SCIENCE, MULTIDISCIPLINARY; METALLURGY & METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING; ESM analysis; EDAX analysis; Nano iron particles; Tensile; Polymer matrix Composites; Natural fillers
• ISSN: 1517-7076; 1517-7076
• DOI: 10.1590/1517-7076-rmat-2024-0698

ABSTRACT The performance of polymer-based nano iron composites reinforced with natural fibers and nanoparticles is investigated in this work with the aim of enhancing their mechanical electrical and water-absorbing properties for a variety of applications. System 1 (PLA with nano iron particles) System 2 (PLA with natural fillers) and System 3 (PLA with both natural fillers and nano iron particles) are the three composite systems that were developed. Mechanical performance assessment tests including tensile compression and bending tests as well as electrical conductivity and water absorption morphological analysis using SEM and EDAX were all conducted. According to the results System 3 which combines natural fillers with nano iron showed superior tensile and flexural strength because of improved filler dispersion and improved filler-matrix bonding. The creation of a conductive network by nano iron was responsible for System 2s highest electrical conductivity (340 µS/cm). Compression testing showed that Systems 2 and 3 were stronger because there were fewer voids and cracks spreading. System 2 did however exhibit a high water absorption rate of 20% which may indicate durability problems. According to this study adding natural fibers and nanoparticles to PLA composites may produce lightweight incredibly durable multifunctional materials with exciting potential uses in the electronics automotive and construction sectors.