Gamma-Fe2O3 nanopowders synthesized in microwave plasma and extraordinarily strong temperature influence on their Mössbauer spectra.

The article reports on two nanopowders synthesized in microwave plasma: the first sample was synthesized in a torch discharge at 1 bar and the second sample was synthesized in low-pressure plasma at 40 mbar. Morphology, composition and properties of the powders were studied by TEM, XRD, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements. In the XRD patterns of the samples only gamma-Fe2O3 was identified (mean crystallite size d(XRD) was 24 nm for the first sample and 13 nm for the second sample). Based on the Mössbauer spectra measured at 5 K, the presence of other iron oxide phases was excluded in both samples. Unusually strong temperature dependence of the Lamb-Mössbauer factor was observed: I(SA)(5 K)/I(SA)(293 K) = 6 in the case of the first sample and I(SA)(5 K)/I(SA)(293 K) = 22 for the second sample (I(SA) denotes integral spectrum area). This effect is explained as the consequence of the reduced agglomeration of electrically charged nanoparticles in the plasma, i.e., particles can either move at 293 K (when they are free) or tilt (if they are a part of a chain). Superparamagnetic phase was not observed in the room-temperature Mössbauer spectra of both samples.

Mechanical and microwave absorbing properties of carbon-filled polyurethane.

Polyurethane (PU) matrix composites were prepared with various carbon fillers at different filler contents in order to investigate their structure, mechanical and microwave absorbing properties. As fillers, flat carbon microparticles, carbon microfibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were used. The microstructure of the composite was examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical properties, namely universal hardness, plastic hardness, elastic modulus and creep were assessed by means of depth sensing indentation test. Mechanical properties of PU composite filled with different fillers were investigated and the composite always exhibited higher hardness, elastic modulus and creep resistance than un-filled PU. Influence of filler shape, content and dispersion was also investigated.