Synthesis and characterization of boron oxide nanofibers reinforced methacrylate composites and their flexural strength evaluations

This study focuses on the synthesis of boron oxide nanofibers and their use as reinforcement materials in composites. Nanofiber synthesis was carried out by electrospinning method from solutions containing of boric acid (H₃BO₃), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to find out the morphological structure, fiber diameter size, and chemical properties that change with temperature. Then they were calcined with different thermal programs. B₂O₃ formation in calcined nanofibers was proven by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The diameter distribution of the calcined fibers was visualized by SEM, with an average fiber diameter size of 76.9 ± 3.7 nm. Calcined nanofibers were functionalization with [3 (Methacryloxy)propyl] trimethoxysilane for the composites productions. The matrix was prepared from bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate and diurethanedimethacrylate monomers. Three-point bending tests were conducted to measure the flexural strength of B₂O₃ reinforced composites, and it was determined that 7% wt of B₂O₃ nanofiber reinforcement increased the flexural strength of the pure matrix by 123.2%. When the flexural strengths of B₂O₃ fibers and particles were compared, composites reinforced with B₂O₃ particles showed 42.2% less mechanical strength.