Nanoindentation studies and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites based on solvothermal process

Recycling of waste polymers by the combination of polymer wastes with metallic precursors is a thread which has not been given wide attention by researchers. In this study, we reported on the evaluation of mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites via nanoindentation technique. Hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites consisted of recycled expanded polystyrene (rEPS) (organic polymer); Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O and Zn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O (metallic precursors) were developed through solvothermal method. The hybridized nanocomposites obtained were characterized by different techniques, comprising X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared flit), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with particle size distribution (PSD) and Selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED) pattern, thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis and nanoindentation technique. The results obtained showed the hybrid Fe2O3 NCs under the 20 mN indentation load were having the best indentation depth of 0.5 nm, nanohardness of 1.20 GPa, reduced modulus of 8.20 GPa, elastic strain recovery of 0.18 GPa and anti-wear resistance of 0.025 GPa. The applicability of the hybrid NCs was demonstrated via the enhancement of their mechanical properties.