Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Science, Arak University of Technology, Arak, Iran
Abstract
Keywords
INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary science in between pure research and industrial activity which grows rapidly in different fields. Nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) with reverse spin structure, soft magnetic property, has high electrical resistance characteristics [1-3]. For this reason, it has many applications in industry. Today, the use of nanotechnology to delay combustion and increase the fire resistance of materials is common. The production of polymer nanocomposites and the use of some additives have increased the strength of the polymer against flammability [4-8]. In the obtaining desired characteristics, the choice of synthesis technique is a fundamental stage in the final product with the chemical, physical, structural and magnetic properties of a spinel ferrite. Among different methods used in the production of magnesium ferrite nanoparticles, the hydrothermal and sono Chemistry methods were applied in this study because of they are simple synthesis and low cost [9-14]. In this work, epoxy resin was used to increase the resistance of the material against flammability. The carbon nanotube structures composed of epoxy resins produced with nickel ferrite show both magnetic and heat-resistant properties. This article will be presented in four sections, introduction, experimental section, which explains the fabrication of nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, the section reviewing the analyzes performed using the results obtained, and finally the conclusions obtained.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ni(NO3)3.6H2O, Fe(NO3)3.9H2O, NaOH, were provided from Merck Company.
By an X-ray diffractometer (Ni-filtered) Cu-Kα radiation in the wide range of 2θ (10 o < 2θ < 80 o) (Phillips Expert Pro PW3040) X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were recorded. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were obtained using a KYKY of model EM3200. Before taking the images, all products were coated by a layer of Au to create conductivity on the sample surface for the prevention of the accumulation of electronic charge, and creating a good contrast. Transmission Electron Microscopy images were prepared by JEOL microscope.
The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of model MIRA3TESCAN-XMU, was utilized for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray element distribution maps (MAP) analysis. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra with the range of 400–4000cm−1 with a resolution of 1cm−1 were obtained by a Bruker spectrometer. Potassium bromide was applied for the sample preparation. The magnetic properties of the specimens were evaluated at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) device, made by Meghnatis Daghigh Kashan Company in magnetic field (between ±10000 Oe). A Bunsen burner flame is applied to the specimen for a UL-94 test. The mechanical properties of the films were investigated with tensile tests using a Zwick Roell Pro Line Z010 machine. Specimens with a thickness of 1mm were tested according ASTM D638 standard at the speed of 0.5mm/min. All tests were repeated five times.
Synthesis of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles
In this experiment, we have prepared Nickel ferrite applying the hydrothermal method. 0.25g of Ni(NO3)2.6H2O and 0.7g of Fe(NO3)3.9H2O were dissolved in 200mL of Distilled water. The resulting solution was mixed at 70 ° C for 40 minutes. Then NaOH slowly added to the resulting clear solution, the resulting solution turns crimson at ambient temperature. The solution is then placed in an autoclave at 180 ° C for 5 hours. After 5 hours, remove the material and centrifuge for 2 minutes. Finally, the resulting material is placed in an oven at 70 ° C for 24 hours to dry.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
XRD analysis
To identify the phase and structural analysis and to obtain the approximate size of crystallite, the synthesized samples were subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis. Fig. 1 shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of NiFe3O4 nanoparticles, the crystal structure of the fabricated nanoparticles had a cubic phase with the space group Fd-3m. (space group: Fd-3m, JCPDS No. 88-1940). The intensity and sharpness of the peak in the direction orientation (311) is due to the very good crystallinity of the nanoparticles. The crystal size is calculated using the Debbie-Scherrer ratio and the average size of the crystals is approximately 20 nm.
SEM was applied for the evaluation of the morphology and particle size of the products. SEM images of Nickel ferrite prepared in the presence in Fig. 2. The images confirm the preparation of nanostructures with an average size of less than 100 nm.
SEM images of carbon nano tube prepared in the presence in Fig. 3. The images confirm the preparation of nanostructures with an average size of less than 100 nm
In this study, a transmission electron microscope was used to investigate more details and microstructure of materials and higher resolution, which is due to the better resolution of the short wavelength of the electrons used for exposure in these microscopes.
The image of carbon nanotubes is presented by a passing electron microscope in Fig. 4. In the mentioned figure, the hollowness of the nanotubes was clearly observed and also the nanotubes were connected in the form of strands and chains so that the average diameter of each strand was about 15 nanometers and had a length of about a few micrometers.
The FT-IR image of nickel ferrite nanoparticles made is presented in Fig. 5. In the diagram below, where the percentage of adsorption (Transmittance%) is plotted in terms of wave number (cm-1), it can be seen that the adsorption in the range of 400 to 600 cm-1 is related to the iron-oxygen and nickel-oxygen bond and In the range of 3300 to 3500 cm-1, there is a peak that indicates the hydroxyl adsorbed on the nickel ferrite nanoparticles. In this spectrum, due to the absence of a sharp peak of impurities, the sample was of acceptable purity.
Evaluation of Flame retardancy
The ferrite effect on the flame retardancy was tested applying UL-94 test. If it shut down in time less than 10s (after fire application) categorized as V-0, (drips are accepted since they are not blazing.) A V-1 classification is for a specimen when maximum ignition time less than 30s (drips are like V-0 condition). The sample is arranged V-2 similar situation was happened while flaming drips are permitted. Samples are categorized non classified. In UL-94 when the maximum total combustion time is more than 50s. The specimen is ordered HB when slow firing on a horizontal sample; burning rate less than 74 mm/min. The UL-94 outcomes for Epoxy and epoxy nanocomposite are non classified and V-0 respectively. Nanostructures act as block layer; this magnetic obstacle layer inhibits oxygen reaching. Hydroxyl groups on the surface of ferrite have appropriate interaction with hydroxyl groups of epoxy. Nanoparticles suitably disperse in polymer matrix. Under flame, magnetic nanostructures stand together durable to collapse and build a dam. This inhibitor slow volatilization of organic fragments and preclude heat and flame affecting to the surface of the nanocomposite.
CONCLUSION
Nickel Ferrite nanostructures were successfully synthesized via a fast auto-combustion reaction by applying fruit extracts. Nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The effect of various green extracts on the morphology of the products was studied.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this manuscript.
)