The Effect of Magnetic Field on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Epoxy-Based Fe3O4/GNP Hybrid Nanocomposites

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Materials & Manufacturing Technologies, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, P.O. Box: 1774- 15875, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Imam Hossein Comprehensive University, Postal Code: 1698715461, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Hypothesis: In recent years, graphene nanosheet (GNP)-based nanocomposites and their derivatives have gained considerable attention due to their favorable physical and mechanical properties. Magnetic nanoparticles, when influenced by a magnetic field, can prevent sedimentation in polymers by overcoming surface forces and particle agglomeration. Given the magnetic characteristics of iron oxide (Fe3O4) and the high strength of GNP, the development of Fe3O4/GNP hybrid nanocomposites aims to achieve uniform dispersion and enhanced mechanical performance.
Methods: The present research investigates the effect of GNP (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% by wt) and Fe3O4 (2, 5, and 8% by wt) concentrations on the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Two novel approaches were employed using a high-shear turbo mixer in the presence and absence of a low-intensity magnetic field (90 Gauss) to evaluate nanoparticle dispersion and distribution. Subsequently, glass fiberreinforced epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated, and their mechanical properties were assessed
Findings: XRD, SEM/TEM, and VNA analyses confirmed that the magnetic field enhances nanoparticle dispersion. This is attributed to interactions between the functional groups of graphene and the active surface of Fe3O4, leading to the formation of Fe3O4/GNP hybrid structures. The magnetic field promotes the initial dispersion of Fe3O4 particles, followed by the coupled GNPs. Tensile tests under magnetic field application showed a 26.41% increase in strength, 60.2% in toughness, 26.7% in elongation, and 0.11% decrease in modulus compared to neat epoxy. Moreover using the reinforced resin, glass/epoxy composites exhibited 12% increase in tensile strength, 1.87% decrease in tensile modulus, 48% increase in flexural strength, and 13.5% increase in flexural modulus compared to unreinforced glass/epoxy. These materials are suitable for lightweight aerospace and aviation structures.

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