A comparative study on the thermomechanical properties of polymeric nanocomposites incorporating single, mixed, and hybrid nanofillers

A comparative analysis was conducted among nanocomposites fabricated using pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4), MWCNT/Fe3O4 hybrid nanofillers, and a mixture of MWCNTs and Fe3O4 nanoparticles with varying nanofiller contents. MWCNT/Fe3O4 hybrid nanofillers with significant magnetic properties were synthesized using a chemical coating method to reinforce the epoxy polymer. Characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confirmed the successful attachment of Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto MWCNTs. Various solvents and sonication parameters were employed to improve the dispersion quality of nanofillers within the epoxy matrix, and their collective impact on the thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites was investigated. The results showed that nanocomposites containing MWCNT/Fe3O4 hybrid nanofillers dispersed using chloroform and optimized sonication parameters exhibited 5%, 9%, 32%, and 46% improvements in tensile strength and 11%, 20%, 38%, and 50% improvements in elastic modulus compared to those fabricated with mixed nanofillers, pristine MWCNTs, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and the neat epoxy, respectively. These nanocomposites also experienced considerable enhancements in thermal stability parameters. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was also used to evaluate the dispersion quality and failure mechanisms. The results of this study can be applied in industries that require controllable magnetic properties.