Thermal, electrical and tensile properties of synthesized magnetite/polyurethane nanocomposites using magnetite nanoparticles derived from waste iron ore tailing

The synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) using waste iron tailing as one of the starting materials and its use in preparation of MNP/polyurethane (MNP/PU) nanocomposites with bio-based PU were described. A comparison of XRD patterns, FT-IR and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra of neat MNP, neat PU and MNP/PU nanocomposites indicated the incorporation of MNP in PU resin. The SEM and TEM micrographs showed nearly uniform dispersion of MNP in MNP/PU nanocomposites. Both thermal stability and electrical conductivity of MNP/PU nanocomposites were increased with increase of MNP loading while MNP addition significantly improved the tensile properties of PU. The magnetic measurements revealed a transition from superparamagnetic behaviour of neat MNP to ferromagnetic in MNP/PU at lower MNP content. The MNP/PU nanocomposites may be exploited further for electronic and optoelectronic applications.