Abstract
Epoxy resin has been modified with Ni-La-Fe-O nanoparticles in the form of NiLaxFe2-xO4/epoxy nanocomposites to improve their coating properties. The new composites of different x composition (x = 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00) were synthesized in situ while epoxy resin was prepared by using a simple solution method with ultrasonic assistance. The new nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravemetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal degradation showed a more complicated behavior in the presence of Ni-Fe-La-O as shown by the presence of two maxima in the 300-475 degrees C temperature range. Reinforced composites with nanoparticles showed enhanced compressive coating properties. Ni-Fe formulations showed great promise to improve epoxy coating due to their higher barrier properties and ionic charge transfer resistance. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.