Evaluating the multifunctional performance of polymer matrix nanodielectrics incorporating magnetic nanoparticles: A comparative study

Abstract

In the present work four series of composite nanodielectrics were developed by employing a thermosetting polymer (epoxy resin), as matrix, and magnetic nanoparticles of various crystal structures and magnetic behaviour, namely ZnFe2O4, Fe3O4, BaFe12O19, SrFe12O19, as reinforcing phase. In all four series of nanocomposites, filler type and content were varying parameters. Aiming to investigate the structure/properties relationships as well as to evaluate the multifunctional behaviour of the developed systems, several characterization techniques were employed. Experimental results indicate that the incorporation of hard magnetic hexaferrite nanoparticles (such as BaFe12O19 and SrFe12O19) leads to the optimum thermomechanical performance of the nanocomposites, while the systems filled with soft magnetic particles (such as Fe3O4 and ZnFe2O4) of spinel structure, demonstrate enhanced values of both dielectric permittivity (ε′) and AC conductivity, as well as energy storage efficiency. The examined systems demonstrated versatile magnetic properties that could be proved beneficial in various applications.