Fabrication and Characterization of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Dispersed Epoxy Nanocomposites

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.