ZrO2 Nanofiller Research Articles

Constructing ZrO2@UiO-66 heterostructure nanoparticles to significantly improve energy storage density of PEI-based nanocomposites at high temperature

Polymers serve as critical dielectrics in energy storage capacitors for advanced electronic devices, electric vehicles, and aerospace power systems, necessitating an urgent enhancement of their energy storage density (Ue) at high temperatures. This work utilized an in-situ method to synthesize MOF (Metal-organic Framework) heterostructure ZrO2@UiO-66 nanofillers. The high-temperature energy storage performance of the nanocomposites was substantially enhanced by introducing an MOF layer at the organic–inorganic interface between the PEI matrix and ZrO2 nanofillers. Potential wells and barriers are established at the ZrO2@UiO-66 interfaces, effectively trapping and confining charge carriers within the nanocomposites. This confinement reduces dielectric loss, particularly at high temperatures and under high electric fields. Additionally, the gradient distribution of dielectric constants between ZrO2@UiO-66 and PEI effectively mitigates electric field concentration between the filler and the matrix. As a result, the higher breakdown strength (Eb) and efficiencies significantly increase the nanocomposites’ Ue in the ZrO2@UiO-66/PEI nanocomposites. The high Eb of 597.16 kV/mm with the Ue of 10.8 J/cm3 was achieved at 150°C in 0.5 wt% ZrO2@UiO-66/PEI, reaching an improvement of 108 % compared to pure PEI (5.2 J/cm3). Besides, the charge–discharge efficiency was as high as 93.7 %. This research highlights the potential of MOF heterostructure fillers in polymer nanocomposites. It provides a pathway for improving energy storage and expanding the application of polymer film capacitors, particularly in high-temperature environments.

Nanofillers embedded flexible piezoelectric polymer sensor pad for robotic and human finger tap analysis

Flexible pressure sensors are receiving a lot of attention due to their use in wearable electronic devices, human-machine interactive systems, and physiological signal monitoring. In this paper, we present a novel nanofiller embedded thin film based piezoelectric pressure sensor for finger tapping analysis. The active material is fabricated using poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) having zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanofillers. It is observed that the incorporation of ZrO2 nanofillers has a substantial impact on the structural characteristics of PVDF polymer, leading to enhancements in its piezoelectric properties. Moreover, the PVDF/2 wt% ZrO2 composite film sensor showed a notable maximum piezoelectric output voltage of ∼210 millivolts at a load of 20 g (0.88 kPa applied pressure). A four-fold enhancement in response is observed in case of PVDF/2 wt% ZrO2 composite in comparison to pristine PVDF sensor. Further, a sensitivity of 0.255 ± 0.083 kPa−1 has been recorded for the composite based sensor. Additionally, maximum of 115 mV is obtained when the composite sensor is tapped manually. The recorded maximum values for impulsive pressure (38 g), high pressure (108 g), and low pressure (45 g) are 76 mV, 150 mV, and 90 mV, respectively. The sensor is efficiently able to detect robotic tapping and stress on the human fingers. An efficiency of around 90% was achieved in PVDF/ 2 wt% ZrO2 at 5 kV/cm using PE hysteresis loop data. The findings indicate that PVDF/ZrO2 composite based piezoelectric pressure sensor has promising capabilities for applications in wearable electronic devices and medical diagnostics.

Eco-friendly guar gum composites as solid-state electrolytes

Solid-state Guar gum electrolytes were prepared through the solution casting technique, employing a composition of 70 % Guar gum and 30 % ZnSO4·7H2O(GZ3). Different weight concentrations of nano ZrO2 (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 %) were introduced into the present Guar gum electrolytes. As prepared ZrO2 nanofiller substituted Guar gum electrolytes were examined by XRD, FTIR, DSC, and SEM to evaluate the amorphous characteristics, complexation, glass transition temperature, and surface morphology, respectively. Electrochemical impedance was utilized to examine the frequency-dependent ionic conductivity and dielectric properties of prepared ZrO2 nanofiller-substituted Guar gum electrolytes. At a temperature of 100 °C, the Guar gum electrolyte with10 % Nano ZrO2 exhibited an ionic conductivity of 3.19 × 10−3 S/cm, whereas, at room temperature (RT), it recorded a value of 1.09 × 10−3 S/cm. The activation energy for these electrolytes varied within the range of 0.26 eV–0.39 eV. Furthermore, an investigation of the frequency-dependent dielectric properties revealed a significant tail in the low-frequency region and the presence of space charge polarization within the electrolyte. The study also explored the relaxation time and hopping mechanism through dielectric modulus parameters. Moreover, a flexible Zn-based electrochemical cell was fabricated using a formulation comprising 70 % Guar gum, 30 % Zinc salt, and 10 % Nano ZrO2. The outcomes revealed an open circuit voltage of 0.82V, a discharge rate of 0.04C sustained over 25 h, with an average current discharge rate of approximately 1.4 mA per hour, resulting in an electrochemical-specific capacity of around 45mAh/g. Additionally, a solar cell device was fabricated using Guar gum electrolytes, and the photovoltaic parameters were computed. The maximum overall power conversion efficiency (ƞ) reached 4.79, with short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) at 9.66 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) at 725 mV, and fill factor (FF) at 0.65.

Advancing solid-state lithium phosphate electrolyte: Synthesis and characterization of Li2NaPO4–ZrO2 nanocomposites for solid-state batteries

Lithium phosphates are one of the most promising groups of inorganic solid electrolytes under investigation owing to their excellent Li-ion conductivity. A series of compositions with different weight percentages of (1-x) Li2NaPO4-(x) ZrO2 samples have been prepared by the solid-state technique and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, and Impedance Spectroscopy. Among the various compositions, 20 wt % ZrO2 exhibits the highest ionic conductivity, i.e., σ = 4.5 × 10−3 Scm−1, and the lowest activation energy 0.0759 eV at 298 K. XRD analysis reveals that the addition of ZrO2 nano-filler up to the optimum value of 20 wt % suggests the formation of the amorphous phase. SEM micrographs reveal that the introduction of ZrO2 nanofiller reduces the crystallinity of the Li2NaPO4 and enhances the ionic conductivity compared with pure Li2NaPO4. Our study marks substantial advancement in the synthesis of innovative nanocomposite solid electrolytes for batteries with superior energy storage capacities.

Enhanced Hydrophobic and Electrical Properties of Silicone Rubber Samples With ZrO2 Nanocomposites

Hydrophobicity is an important property that enhances the insulating performance of polymeric insulators. It further protects the insulator from the formation of the dry band under wet conditions which causes leakage current, flashover, and other surface effects. This work focuses on the enhancement of hydrophobicity by adding ZrO2 nanofillers in different weight percentages (1, 3, and 5 wt%) with liquid silicone rubber (LSR). The diameter of the water droplet is measured by a video measuring system (VMS), and the static contact angle is measured by ImageJ Analysis under clean conditions. As per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2303, the inclined plane test (IPT) is used to determine the tracking and erosion properties of the polymer insulator. IPT results are compared with surface roughness for all the prepared samples. The experimentation reveals that the 5 wt% added nanocomposite sample shows improved hydrophobic and electrical characteristics when compared to all other samples.

Effect of Zr-Nanofiller on Structural and Thermal Properties of PVDF-co-HFP Porous Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Doped with Mg2+ Ions

New poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP)/ZrO2-based nanocomposite porous polymer membranes were prepared with doping of magnesium ions using THF as solvent. These membranes were prepared using the solvent casting technique. The optimal nanofiller (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% Zr nanopowder) was incorporated into the PVDF-co-HFP/MgTf3/ZrO2 and the incorporation of the nanofiller results in an increase in the porosity of the prepared membranes. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposite porous polymer membranes were also investigated. The structural investigation and the identification of functional groups were accomplished using FTIR technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to ascertain the phase of polymer membranes and the phase change that happens upon interaction with nanofiller and Mg2+ ions. Assessment of the nanocomposite porous polymer membrane's morphology and porous structure was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). DSC analysis was used to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the nanocomposite porous membranes. The electrical and dielectric studies confirmed the structural reformation of the polymer electrolyte materials. It was found that 8% nanofiller is the best conducting composition for maximum ionic conductivity, dielectric constant and Mg2+ ion mobility. The incorporation of ZrO2 nanofiller predominantly increases the number of free ions and mobility of the charge carriers in the composite polymer electrolyte systems.

Role of bandgap and permittivity of nanofiller in the energy storage performance of PEI-based nanocomposites

Since the promotion of the concept of nanodielectrics, the composite approach has long been considered as an effective way to improve the energy density of electrostatic capacitor films for energy storage applications. However, the selection criteria of nanofiller are blur in spite of multifarious attempts, such as Al2O3, HfO2, BaTiO3, TiO2, MnO2, MgO, etc. This paper is devoted to demonstrating the priority consideration of bandgap and permittivity in the filler selection of capacitive nanocomposite. The antagonistic effect between the bandgap and permittivity of fillers in the capacitive nanocomposite was revealed by the study of the physicochemical, dielectric, electric breakdown, and capacitive energy storage properties of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposites, i.e., PEI/ZrO2, PEI/SiO2, and PEI/TiO2 nanocomposites with systematically varied bandgap and permittivity. It is found that the ZrO2 nanofillers combine a wide bandgap and moderate permittivity; hence, the corresponding PEI/ZrO2 nanocomposite shows the highest discharged energy density over PEI/SiO2 and PEI/TiO2 nanocomposite. Specifically, the PEI/ZrO2 nanocomposite exhibits a maximum discharged energy density of 6.15 J/cm3 at an optimal filler content of 3 vol%, which is 57.7% higher than that of neat PEI.

Nano zirkonyum dioksit doldurucu ilavesinin protez astarlarının renk değişimi, su emilimi ve çözünürlüğüne etkisi

Objective: Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanofillers were added to denture liners to improve their physical properties. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the impact of adding nano zirconium oxide (ZrO2) fillers on color change, water sorption and solubility of silicone and acrylic denture liners. Materials and Method: The surface of ZrO2 nanoparticles was modified via treatment with the silane coupling agent (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed to characterize surfaces untreated or treated with ZrO2. After modification, these nanoparticles were incorporated into silicone and acrylic denture liners. Three subgroups were assigned for each test method. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for the statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Water sorption and solubility in water values decreased with the addition of modified ZrO2 nanofiller in both test groups (respectively, acrylic-based tissue conditioner: p = 0.040 and p = 0.020; silicone-based denture liner: p < 0.001 and p = 0.017). The acrylic-based tissue conditioner test group with 1% modified ZrO2 nanofiller showed the greatest color change (ΔΕ = 37.94 ±6.62), whereas the silicone-based denture liner group with 0.5% modified ZrO2 nanofiller presented the lowest (ΔΕ = 5.02 ±2.30). Conclusion: Modified ZrO2 nanofiller–incorporated silicone-based denture liners might show better clinical success than acrylic ones according to the evaluated parameters.

Understanding the dielectric properties and electromagnetic shielding efficiency of zirconia filled epoxy-MWCNT composites

In the present study, hybrid composites are prepared by reinforcing various concentrations of high permittivity zirconia nanofiller into epoxy/CNT compositions to test their usability in EMI shielding applications in the X and Ku bands. ZrO2 nanofiller is added in different proportions to improve absorbance shielding while maintaining the composite conductivity uniform by adding constant CNT concentration to restrict the reflectance shielding. The microscopic studies have revealed an efficient dispersion of ZrO2 nanoparticles in the CNT networks and provided a smoother surface. The presence of zirconia nanofillers increased the dielectric properties, viz. the dielectric constant (194 at 0.1 Hz) and loss tangent (1.57 at 0.1 Hz), respectively, whereas the conductivity was found to be invariantly constant. The increased permittivity of composites enhanced the shielding by absorption, while the shielding by reflection is least influenced by the addition of zirconia nanofiller. The addition of zirconia nanofillers increased the permittivity and tan delta, allowing charges to accumulate at the interfacial areas for incoming EM radiations, resulting in increased absorbance shielding. Limiting the CNT concentration in all composites to the same level resulted in the formation of conductive networks, thus resulting in uniform reflectance shielding for all the hybrid composites in the present study. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed the improvement in the storage modulus and activation energy due to the enhanced interfacial adhesion and cross-linked polymer density.

Impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical cell studies of Mg+2 ion conducting with dispersed ZrO2 nano filler in PVDF-HFP based nano composite solid polymer electrolytes

Nano composite polymer electrolytes with different concentrations of ZrO2 nanofillers added in PVDF-HFP:Mg(ClO4)2are prepared using classical solution casting technique.The incorporation of ZrO2 nanofillers into the PVDF-HFP: Mg(ClO4)2improved conductivity by making more ions available for conduction. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was used to investigate the electrical conductivity, ohmic resistance(RΩ), polarisation resistance(Rp), and Warburg impedance W to understand ion transportation behaviour. And the composition-dependent ionic conductivity was determined and the optimum found σion=6.62×10-2SCm-1 at the PSZr12. The nanocomposite polymer electrolyte is used to prepare an electro chemical cell, and its open circuit voltage is found to be1.8 V and its short circuit current is 180 mA.

Nanozirconia polymer composite porous membrane prepared by sustainable immersion precipitation method for use as electrolyte in flexible supercapacitors

We report ZrO2-polymer nanocomposite porous membranes prepared by one step phase inversion method with the aim to study a) the effect of ZrO2 nanofiller on the physiochemical and electrochemical properties of the membranes, and b) the viability of the optimized membrane as an electrolyte in energy storage devices. The interaction of ZrO2 nanoparticles with the polymer and liquid electrolyte has been investigated in details using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The microporous structure, liquid electrolyte uptake and ionic conductivity of the nanocomposite membranes have been found to be affected by presence of ZrO2 nanoparticles. The electrolyte membrane with 3 wt.% ZrO2 shows the highest ionic conductivity of ∼4.4 mS cm−1 with a liquid electrolyte retention of ∼375 % and electrochemical stability of ∼4.25 V when soaked in a sodium-ion conducting organic electrolyte. The performance of the highest conducting nanocomposite membrane in symmetric electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) has been observed to be better as compared to that of un-doped electrolyte membranes. The EDLC fabricated using the optimized electrolyte membrane and activated carbon electrodes exhibits specific capacitance ∼103 F g−1 and is stable up to 50,000 charge–discharge cycles with specific energy ∼10.2 Wh kg−1, specific power ∼14.2 kW kg−1, and Coulombic efficiency ∼ 99.8 %.

Nanofiller-incorporated porous polymer electrolyte for electrochemical energy storage devices

We report the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)-based microporous polymer membranes, prepared by phase inversion technique, incorporated with different amounts of nanosized zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) filler. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal studies confirm the role of ZrO2 nanofiller to modify the polymer structure, pore geometry and crystallinity. The nanofillers interact with the PVdF-HFP chains via surface groups and electrostatic interactions, and their incorporation led to an increase in crystalline content of the membrane and ionic conductivity (when activated with a liquid electrolyte (LE)). A possible mechanism for the increase in crystallinity in the polymer due to interaction with nanofiller particles has also been presented. The optimized membrane has been saturated with an LE sodium perchlorate-ethylene carbonate:propylene carbonate for use as a separator/electrolyte in electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC). The cells fabricated with the nanofiller-incorporated membrane show better performance in terms of specific electrode capacitance, specific energy and specific power (approximately 76 F g−1, approximately 20.9 Wh kg−1 and 2.62 kW kg−1) than the cells using the membrane devoid of nanofillers (approximately 61 F g−1, approximately 17.3 Wh kg−1 and approximately 3.16 kW kg−1), respectively. The EDLC shows approximately 85% retention in specific capacitance for 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.

The role of zirconium oxide as nano-filler on the conductivity, morphology, and thermal stability of poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-based plasticized composite solid polymer electrolytes

The plasticized composite solid polymer electrolytes (CSPE) involving polymer blends poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PMMA-SAN), plasticizers ethylene carbonate (EC), and propylene carbonate (PC) with lithium triflate (LiCF3SO3) as salt and varying concentration of composite nano-filler zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is prepared by solution casting technique using THF as solvent. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal amorphous nature of the CSPE samples. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy studies reveal interaction of Li+ ion with plasticizers, both C=O and OCH3 group of the PMMA, while nitrile group of SAN is inert. AC impedance and dielectric studies reveal that the ionic conductivity (σ), dielectric constant (e’), and dielectric loss (e”) of the prepared CSPE samples increase with increasing content of ZrO2 nano-filler up to 6 wt% and decrease with further additions. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity follows Arrhenius relation and indicates ion-hopping mechanism. The sample Z2 (6 wt% ZrO2) with relaxation time τ of 8.13 × 10–7 s possess lowest activation energy (Ea = 0.23 eV) and highest conductivity (2.32 × 10–4 S cm−1) at room temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals thermal stability of highest conducting sample Z2 up to 321 °C after complete removal of residual solvent, moisture, and its impurities. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies reveal absence of glass transition temperature (Tg) corresponding to atactic PMMA for the CSPE Z2, while isotactic PMMA component shows Tg around 70 °C, which is due to increased interaction of filler with PMMA leading to change in its tacticity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals blending of PMMA/SAN polymers and lithium triflate salt. The incorporation of nano-filler ZrO2 leads to change in surface topology of polymer matrix. Rough surface of the CSPE Z2 leads to new pathway for ionic conduction leading to maximum ionic conductivity.

In Vitro Performance of Polymethyl-Methacrylate with Ultra High Density Poly Ethylene Fiber and Nano Zirconium Oxide Particles Composite

Background: Poly (methyl methacrylate) has been widely utilized for fabrication of dentures for many years as it has good advantages but not achieved all demands of the mechanical properties such as low transverse strength, low impact strength, low surface hardness, high water solubility and high water sorption. Material and method: To provide bonding between ZrO2 nanoparticles and PMMA matrix, the ZrO2 Nano-fillers were surface-treated with a saline coupling agent. Plasma surface treatment of polyethylene (PE) fiber was done to change surface fiber by using DC- glow discharge system. For characterization of interring any functional groups, the (FTIR) spectrum were done .then the mechanical properties studied to choose the appropriate percentages to complete study. Results: The results revealed that highly significant difference between groups in transverse strength, the highest mean value (96.1700 N/mm2) found in 2.0% polyethylene fibers and 1.5% salinized Zirconium oxide nanoparticles group, highly significant increase in impact strength (7.69 Kj/m2), surface hardness (92.35) and highly significant decrease in water sorption (0.0016 mg/cm2) and water solubility (0.0013 mg/cm2). Conclusion: the use of saline coupling agent with ZrO2 and oxygen plasma treatment PE fiber provided an effective procedure for getting good bonding with the PMMA matrix to give enhanced properties for the composite.

Various recent reinforcement phase incorporations and modifications in glass ionomer powder compositions: A comprehensive review

Glass ionomer cements (GIC) were first introduced to dentistry in the late 1960s and since have proven to be useful in various areas of dental science, particularly restorative dentistry. As an aqueous polyelectrolyte system, GICs are known for their relative ease of use, chemical bond to the tooth, fluoride release and recharge, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and acceptable esthetic quality. However, clinical usage of GICs is still limited due to their relatively inferior mechanical properties and sensitivity to initial desiccation and moisture. Years of extensive research on enhancing the chemistry of the basic glasses have yielded improved formulations with enhanced mechanical properties and reduced moisture sensitivity. A comprehensive review of the available literature has revealed that not all modifications in glass powder have resulted in the desirable strengthening of GICs. There is a shift of focus toward studies on nanoscale particles and bioactive glass. Recent research has proven that incorporation of nanoceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA), fluorapatite, silica, and zirconia (ZrO2) have resulted in improved mechanical properties of GICs due to their ability to release fluoride, high surface area, and better particle size distribution. More work should thus, be undertaken to optimize techniques for enhancing the physicomechanical properties of GICs by incorporation of nanophases of ZrO2, HA, and metallic nanofillers.

Compositional effect of ZrO2 nanofillers on a PVDF-co-HFP based polymer electrolyte system for solid state zinc batteries

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) comprising poly(vinilydene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene), PVDF-co-HFP and zinc triflate, Zn(CF3SO3)2 with varying concentrations of ZrO2 nanofillers were prepared by solution casting technique with N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) as the common solvent. The polymer electrolyte specimen with the particular composition 75 wt% PVDF-co-HFP: 25 wt% ZnTf + 7 wt% ZrO2 showed the highest conductivity of 4.6 × 10-4 S/cm at 298 K as confirmed from impedance measurements and favored by the rich amorphous phase of the CPE revealed from room temperature X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The electrical conductivity relaxation time and its distribution within the materials have been evaluated from the electric modulus M″ and impedance Z″ data which showed the occurrence of non-Debye type of relaxation phenomenon. The changes in the surface morphology of the CPEs were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical stability window of CPE is found to be 2.6 V with a thermal stability up to 300 °C. An electrochemical cell has been fabricated based on Zn/MnO2 electrode couple under a constant load of 1 MΩ and its discharge characteristics have been evaluated.

Effect of Zirconia Nano Filler for Enhancing Energy Capacity in Polyethylene Oxide Based Polymer Electrolyte

Lithium ion batteries have become a popular power source for portable electronic equipments. It is found to be superior in gravimetric energy density as it provides about 1.5 times more energy compared to nickel hydride battery. In this study, Polyethylene Oxide based polymer electrolytes were used for investigation. PEO based solid polymer electrolyte films were prepared by solution casting technique with different concentration of salt and different %wt of zirconia nanofiller. The X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out for the identification of compounds available in the sample and to determine the relative concentrations by the intensities of pattern lines. Also the superposition of absorption bands of specific functional groups was confirmed with the infra-red spectrum of FTIR. The Complex Impedance Spectroscopy technique was further used to measure the cell admittance / impedance in a wide range of frequencies and analyzed in the complex admittance/ impedance plane. From the impedance test results it is observed that the conductivity of polymer electrolyte was improved from 7.39×10−4 Scm−1 to 5.24×10−3 Scm−1 after adding 3%wt of ZrO2 nanofiller with pure polymer. Set up of nano Lab is rare, new and uncommon. It is also an emerging technology. Fabrication of powder needs extra machines which are not popular among common people. It will become popular in the coming future. When particle size is reduced, the quantity of powder is reduced, quality is increased.

Nanocomposite membranes based on polybenzimidazole and ZrO2 for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Owing to the numerous benefits obtained when operating proton exchange membrane fuel cells at elevated temperature (>100 °C), the development of thermally stable proton exchange membranes that demonstrate conductivity under anhydrous conditions remains a significant goal for fuel cell technology. This paper presents composite membranes consisting of poly[2,2'-(m-phenylene)-5,5'-bibenzimidazole] (PBI4N) impregnated with a ZrO2 nanofiller of varying content (ranging from 0 to 22 wt %). The structure-property relationships of the acid-doped and undoped composite membranes have been studied using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, wide-angle X-ray scattering, infrared spectroscopy, and broadband electrical spectroscopy. Results indicate that the level of nanofiller has a significant effect on the membrane properties. From 0 to 8 wt %, the acid uptake as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the membrane increase. As the nanofiller level is increased from 8 to 22 wt % the opposite effect is observed. At 185 °C, the ionic conductivity of [PBI4N(ZrO2 )0.231 ](H3 PO4 )13 is found to be 1.04×10(-1) S cm(-1) . This renders membranes of this type promising candidates for use in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Nano alumina–zirconia blended epoxy polymeric composites for anticorrosive applications

Amorphous alumina–zirconia (Al2O3–ZrO2) nanoparticles were produced by hot-air spray pyrolysis method. Two and six layers of anticorrosive coating of epoxy polyamide (EP) resin and mixture of amorphous Al2O3–ZrO2 nanoparticles in epoxy polyamide resin (NEP), respectively, were applied on SS 316L specimens. The performance of EP and NEP coated samples was comprehensively characterized. The results show that the sample with six layers of NEP coating (SSNEP6) has enhanced thermal, elastic properties and chemical resistance than that with six layers of EP coating (SSEP6). Thermo gravimetric analysis reveals that EP sample decomposed at 523 °C whereas NEP sample has extended thermal stability up to 750 °C with minimum residual mass. The thermal conductivity of EP sample is 0.124 while for NEP is about 0.263 W/mK. The hardness and reduced elastic modulus of SSNEP6 sample were, respectively, 318.32 MPa and 5.98 GPa whereas those of SSEP6 sample were 233.69 MPa and 4.17 GPa. Further, in-situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM)-nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images were obtained to explore the formation of Al2O3–ZrO2 nano filler in EP matrix. The samples coated with multilayers of EP and NEP was exposed to acid immersion (10 % of H2SO4) for 48 h. The SPM and AFM microstructure images show that the NEP coated sample maintains its original surface feature with existing passive layer formation, whereas EP coated sample shows surface deterioration and deformation. In addition, stability of EP and NEP coated samples was measured in terms of surface roughness with respect to nano filler in epoxy matrix. This observation shows that Al2O3–ZrO2 nanofiller can be used to improve the desirable properties in host epoxy matrix.

The Effect of Addition Nano Particle ZrO2 on Some Properties of Autoclave Processed Heat Cure Acrylic Denture Base Material

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is used in denture fabrication and considered as the most reliable material for the construction of removable prosthodontic appliances. The material is far from ideal in fulfilling the mechanical requirements and the effect of autoclave processing has not been fully determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of salinized (ZrO2) Nano fillers in percentages 3%, 5% and 7% by weight on some properties of heat cured acrylic processed the by autoclave and compare it with 0% (control) group . Materials and methods: The silanized(ZrO2) Nano-particles was added to PMMA powder by weight in three different percentages 3%, 5% and 7%, mixed by probe ultra-sonication machine.Two hundred specimens were constructed and processed by autoclave and divided into 5 groups according to the test (each group consist of 40 specimens ) and each group was subdivided into 4 sub-groups according to the percentage of added (ZrO2) nano-particles( with 10 specimens for each subgroups) . The tests conducted were transverse strength, hardness (shore D), Impact strength test, surface morphology and apparent porosity. AFM can provide 3D image of the specimen the homogeneity of nanostructure film, roughness of surface and crystallite size. Scanning electron microscope SEM of control and salinized Nano ZrO2 reveal the Nano fillers distribution and it is shaped. Results: Highly significant increase in impact strength recorded when acrylic (vertex) mixed with 3%, 5% ZrO2 nano filler, while a non-significant reduction was observed with 7% ZrO2 addition in comparison to control. Non-significant improvement in transverse strength when 3% ZrO2 was added, 5% nano addition ZrO2 improved transverse strength significantly while 7% nano addition showed anon significant reduce when these groups compared to the control group .Anon significant reduction in the deformity was seen within 3% nano addition ZrO2 also 5% nano ZrO2 addition reduce the deformity significantly and significant increase was recorded when 7% nano addition ZrO2 was add and when these groups are compared to the control group. A significant increase in surface hardness was observed with the addition of (ZrO2) nano-particles to (PMMA) at the percentage of 3%, highly significant increase at 5% and 7% with addition of modified nano-ZrO2. A non-significant decrease in apparent porosity at 3% and highly significant decrease in apparent porosity at 5% and 7% with addition of modified nano-ZrO2 were observed. SEM results showed a good distribution of the modified nano-ZrO2 fillers at 3%, 5% and showed aggregation at 7% in the polymer matrix. Conclusion: The addition of modified nano-ZrO2 particles to acrylic resin cured by autoclave improved impact and transverse strength of denture base nano composite containing 5% of nano-ZrO2. And this strength decreases with further increase of nano-ZrO2 filler content. Also addition of modified nano-ZrO2 slightly increaseshardness, thesurface roughness and the apparent porosity also decrease by addition of nano ZrO2 percentage increase. Key words: Salinized (ZrO2) nano fillers, PMMA.