Nanomechanical and Electrochemical Properties of ZnO-Nanoparticle-Filled Epoxy Coatings

This work focuses on the mechanical, nanomechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of epoxy coatings with various percentages of ZnO nanoparticles. The prepared coatings were analyzed after complete curing of 7 days. The dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) followed by Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles on curing and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate its thermal properties. The electrochemical (anticorrosion) properties of the coatings were analyzed by exposing the prepared coatings to a 3.5% NaCl solution. The obtained results indicated that the addition of the nanoparticles was effective at lower the loadings: higher loadings of the nanoparticles led to increased agglomeration because of higher particle–particle interaction. At higher nanoparticle loadings, the curing process was adversely affected, which led to lower curing percentage. The lower degree of curing affected the thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. The increase in nanoparticle loading beyond 2% negatively affected the coating properties.

Investigating the UV absorption capabilities in novel Ag@RGO/ZnO ternary nanocomposite for optoelectronic devices

A facile one-pot method was utilized at room-temperature for the synthesis of novel ternary nanocomposite of Ag@RGO/ZnO, which is introduced as a low cost, efficient and reliable UV absorber. The crystalline, morphological, structural, and optical characteristics of the as-synthesized samples were investigated by various techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XPS, and DRS. The measurements confirm the successful fabrication of the Ag@RGO/ZnO ternary nanocomposite. Optical characterization showed the synergetic role of Ag NPs and RGO NSs in the enhancement of the light absorption of the ternary nanocomposite in the UV portion compared to the bare ZnO NPs. Additionally, band-gap narrowing was observed due to the Ag-doping impact where potential applications for the proposed nanocomposite have been suggested.

Active Role of ZnO Nanorods in Thermomechanical and Barrier Performance of Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) Formulations for Flexible Packaging

Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (EVOH) films containing zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO Nrods) at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt%, were realized by solvent casting. The effect of ZnO Nrods content on morphological, thermal, optical, mechanical, and oxygen permeability properties were analyzed. In addition, moisture content and accelerated-aging test studies were performed, with the intention to determine the influence of zinc oxide nanofillers on the functional characteristics of realized packaging systems. Tensile properties showed increased values for strength and deformation-at-break in EVOH-based formulations reinforced with 0.1 and 0.5 wt% of zinc oxide nanorods. Results from the colorimetric and transparency investigations underlined that the presence of ZnO Nrods in EVOH copolymer did not induce evident alterations. In addition, after the accelerated-aging test, the colorimetric test confirmed the possibility for these materials to be used in the packaging sector. This behavior was induced by the presence of zinc oxide nanofillers that act as a UV block that made them useful as an efficient absorber of UV radiation.