Nanoindentation studies and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites based on solvothermal process

Olusola Olaitan Ayeleru, Sisanda Dlova, Ojo Jeremiah Akinribide, Oluwasayo F. Olorundare, Rokhsareh Akbarzadeh, Devaraju Murukanahally Kempaiah, Colin Hall, Freeman Ntuli, Williams Kehinde Kupolati, Peter Apata Olubambi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recycling of waste polymers by the combination of polymer wastes with metallic precursors is a thread which has not been given wide attention by researchers. In this study, we reported on the evaluation of mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites via nanoindentation technique. Hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites consisted of recycled expanded polystyrene (rEPS) (organic polymer); Fe(NO3)3·9H2O and Zn(NO3)2·6H2O (metallic precursors) were developed through solvothermal method. The hybridized nanocomposites obtained were characterized by different techniques, comprising X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with particle size distribution (PSD) and Selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED) pattern, thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis and nanoindentation technique. The results obtained showed the hybrid Fe2O3 NCs under the 20 mN indentation load were having the best indentation depth of 0.5 nm, nanohardness of 1.20 GPa, reduced modulus of 8.20 GPa, elastic strain recovery of 0.18 GPa and anti-wear resistance of 0.025 GPa. The applicability of the hybrid NCs was demonstrated via the enhancement of their mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107704
JournalInorganic Chemistry Communication
Volume113
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Hybrid materials
  • Mechanical properties
  • Nanoindentation
  • Recycled expanded polystyrene
  • Solvothermal process

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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