Preparation of Epoxy–Silicone/Fe3O4@SiO2 Nanocomposite and Investigation of Its Efficiency as a Soft Magnetic Composite

Abstract

Three inorganic-organic hybrids (I-O) were prepared by incorporating epoxy-modified silicone resin (E-S) with core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 for application as a coating of Fe soft magnetic composites (SMCs). Most of the conductive Fe3O4 particles were coated by insulated SiO2 using the modified Stöber method. Addition of the ferromagnetic Fe3O4 to the polymer matrix reduces the magnetic dilution effect, which is beneficial for improved permeability and magnetization. On the other hand, the layer of SiO2 prevents the agglomeration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and gives rise to increased electrical resistivity for reduced core loss as well as enhanced mechanical strength of the SMCs. The properties of nanostructures were studied by FT-IR, XRD, and VSM