Enhanced thermo-magnetic and mechanical performance of EPDM composites reinforced with Fe2O3:NiO nanoparticles under magnetic field-assisted vulcanization

This study investigates the effect of hybrid ferromagnetic (Fe₂O₃) and antiferromagnetic (NiO) nanoparticles on the structural, thermal, magnetic and mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber composites. Composites with varying Fe₂O₃:NiO weight ratios (1:0.25, 1:1.1, 1:1.5) were synthesized and characterized using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, AFM, DSC-TGA and VSM. The results revealed that the addition of NiO nanoparticles improved the curing rate, crosslink density, tensile strength and thermal conductivity, with optimal performance observed at 1:1.1 wt% Fe₂O₃:NiO. Magnetic field-assisted vulcanization promoted nanoparticle alignment, leading to enhanced anisotropy and dispersion, which significantly improved the magneto-mechanical performance of the composites. FTIR and XRD confirmed physical interaction without chemical bonding between the fillers and the rubber matrix. The composite containing 1:1.5 wt% Fe₂O₃:NiO demonstrated the highest magnetic response, indicating potential use in magnetorheological elastomer applications.