One-step synthesis of FeO(OH) nanoparticles by electric explosion of iron wire underwater

In this study,we investigated electric explosion of iron wire in distilled water with different energy input adjusted by charging voltage.The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscopy (SEM),transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),showing the presence of iron and multiple iron-based compounds oxides with contents influenced by the experimental conditions.In particular,pure FeO(OH) nanoparticles were obtained using electric explosion of iron wire with energy input of 1125 J at charging voltage of 15 kV.Analysis of discharge current and resistive voltage data indicate that the high energy input induced by strong plasma discharge at high charging voltage is a key factor to form FeO(OH).This study presents a one-step method to synthesize FeO(OH) nanoparticles using electric explosion of iron wire.     

Magnetic,thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of beta isotactic polypropylene/natural rubber blends reinforced by NiZn ferrite nanoparticles

The dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in matrix is crucial to ensure optimum performance of the composite. The difficulty level of achieving good dispersion is further increase when a multi-phases of matrix is present. A pre-coating technique of magnetic nanoparticles with polypropylene using ball-mill prior to melt-blending process was employed to prepare a multi-phases thermoplastic natural rubber composite. The effect of filler loading (2 wt%-10 wt%) on morphology, structure, magnetic properties, thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. It was found that the NiZn ferrite nanoparticles act as nucleating agent to form beta isostatic polypropylene thermoplastic composites. The composites' magnetic properties are directly dependent on the filler concentration. The dispersion of magnetic fillers in polymer matrix plays role in affecting the magnetic properties and thermal stability. The preference of filler to locate at amorphous phase has distorted the chain orientation of natural rubber and polypropylene. Hence, the polymorphism and crystallinity of the matrix varied as the filler loading increased, affecting the dynamic mechanical properties. It was found that 8 wt% NiZn nanocomposite exhibits highest E’ and tanδ, indicating the dynamic mechanical properties of NiZn nanocomposite are affected by β-phase degree.     

Nanothermite colloids: A new prospective for enhanced performance

Nanothermites (metal oxide/metal) can offer tremendously exothermic self sustained reactions. CuO is one of the most effective oxidizers for naonothermite applications. This study reports on two prospectives for the manufacture of CuO nanoparticles. Colloidal CuO particles of 15 nm particle size were developed using hydrothermal synthesis technique. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with surface are 700 m²/g was employed as a substrate for synthesis of CuO-coated MWCNTs using electroless plating. On the other hand, aluminium particles with combustion heat of 32000 J/g is of interest as high energy density material. The impact of stoichiometric nanothermite particles (CuO/Al & Cuo-coated MWCNTs/Al) on shock wave strength of Al/TNT nanocomposite was evaluated using ballistic mortar test. While CuO-coated MWCNTs decreased the shock wave strength by 15%; colloidal CuO enhanced the shock wave strength by 30%. The superior performance of colloidal CuO particles was correlated to their steric stabilization with employed organic solvent. This is the first time ever to report on fabrication, isolation, and integration of stablilized colloidal nanothermite particles into energetic matrix where intimate mixing between oxidizer and metal fuel could be achieved.