Nanoparticle positioning effect on the percolation phenomenon of the polyethylene oxide/iron nanocomposite films

In this research, we demonstrate the influence of compelled iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) up to the surface on the percolation phenomenon and the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films by applying a uniform magnetic field. The electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films exhibits a sharp increase from 1.19x10-5$$ 1.19\times {10}<^>{-5} $$ to 390 S center dot cm-1 as the FeNPs volume fraction rises from 0.12 to 0.24, where the FeNPs form percolating networks and interparticle contacts. Applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the surface of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films and consequently increases the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films up to 1960 S center dot cm-1. The morphological features of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films with different concentrations of FeNPs upon applying a magnetic field towards the surface were investigated. Finally, the corrosion protection efficiency of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films increases as FeNPs increase from an insulating zone to a conductive zone. On the other hand, applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite surfaces, increasing the corrosion protection efficiency from 92.67% to 98.09%.Highlights The nanoparticle positioning effect on nanocomposite films is investigated. The electrical conductivity of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite film reaches 390 S center dot cm-1. Electrical conductivity increases to 1960 S center dot cm-1 upon nanoparticle positioning. Corrosion protection efficiency increases to 98.09% after nanoparticle positioning. Physical characteristics of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite film upon nanoparticle positioning.image