Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersed unsaturated polyester resin based nanocomposites: effect of gamma radiation on mechanical properties

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this work, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix based nanocomposite was fabricated using synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticle as reinforcement and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as curing agent by solution casting method. The Fe2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method and the formation of nanoparticle was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive spectrometry analysis. Interactions between metal oxide nanoparticles and polymer molecules in fabricated nanocomposite were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis. Pure UPR and Fe2O3/UPR composite were irradiated with various gamma radiation doses (0–15\u2009kGy). At the 0\u2009kGy (without radiation), the nanoparticles loaded composite showed better mechanical properties (increased in tensile strength and Young’s modulus and decreased in elongation) compared to that of pure UPR sheet. At the 5\u2009kGy radiation dose, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were further increased; whereas, the elongation was decreased in both samples.