Magneto-Electric Response and Functionality in Barium Ferrite/Barium Titanate/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites

Abstract

Hybrid nanocomposites with barium ferrite and barium titanate nanoparticles embedded within an epoxy resin matrix, were prepared and studied, varying the fillers content. The morphology of the fabricated specimens was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Dielectric and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites were investigated via broadband dielectric spectroscopy and magnetization tests, respectively. Fine dispersions of nanofillers were detected via electron microscopy in all studied cases. Dielectric permittivity increases with diminishing frequency and increasing temperature and filler content. Recorded relaxation processes are attributed to interfacial polarization, between matrix and nanoparticles, glass to rubber transition of the polymer matrix (α-relaxation), and re-arrangement of polar-side groups of the main polymer chain (β-relaxation). Magnetization and magnetic saturation increase with the amount of barium ferrite nanoparticles.