Preparation, characterization and mechanical properties of rare-earth-based nanocomposites

Summary

Rare-earth nanophosphors combine strong, long-lived luminescence with high photostability, making them attractive fillers for optically functional polymer composites. This study embeds a europium-doped gadolinium oxide (Eu:Gd₂O₃) nanophosphor into a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix at several loadings, comparing three fabrication routes: melt mixing/moulding (bulk), electrospinning (nanofibres) and solution casting (thin films). Particles were used both untreated and coated with AMEO silane to improve their bonding to the polymer. Each method has trade-offs — moulding avoids solvents, while electrospinning gave the best de-agglomeration and dispersion of the nanoparticles. Dynamic mechanical analysis and nanoindentation showed that adding the nanophosphor raised the storage modulus above that of pure PMMA, increasing with filler content, and that silane surface modification further improved the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.

Authors & Affiliations

• S. S. Musbah

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• V. Radojević

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• I. Radović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• P. S. Uskoković

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• D. B. Stojanović

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• M. Dramićanin

  Institute of Nuclear Sciences “Vinča”, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• R. Aleksić Corresponding

  Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Topics

Materials

Linari Electrospinning Systems