Micro/Mesoporous Fe(3)O(4)/Fe-Phthalocyanine Microspheres and Effects of Their Surface Morphology on the Crystallization and Properties of Poly(Arylene Ether Nitrile) Composites

The surface morphology of nanoparticles significantly affects the final properties and interfacial characteristics of their composites. Thus, investigations on the surface morphology of the nanoparticles is essential to fabricate improved nanoparticle-reinforced composites. Fe(3)O(4)/Fe-phthalocyanine (FePc) hybrid microspheres with micro/mesoporous structures were prepared via a solvothermal process and solvent etching method. The surface morphology and compositional distribution were respectively investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to rule out that FePc monomers have been blended with Fe(3)O(4) to form Fe(3)O(4)/FePc hybrid microspheres without serious agglomeration. The surface roughness of Fe(3)O(4)/FePc microspheres was investigated by the scanning probe microscope (SPM), and confirmed by the adsorption and desorption isotherms of N(2). The effects of the various surface morphologies on the crystallization behavior of crystallizable poly(arylene ether nitrile) (c-PEN) were first employed to confirm the surface characteristics of the resulted microspheres. Results indicated that the etched Fe(3)O(4)/FePc microspheres would improve the crystallization degree of c-PEN, due to their much more micro/mesoporous structures than that of original Fe(3)O(4)/FePc. Then, Fe(3)O(4)/FePc hybrid microspheres reinforced PEN composite films were prepared and their interfacial compatibility was monitored using an SEM. Excellent thermal stability and improved mechanical properties were obtained by combining the etched Fe(3)O(4)/FePc and PEN matrix. The excellent surface properties and micro/mesoporous structures make the novel Fe(3)O(4)/FePc an excellent candidate of organic/inorganic hybrid fillers and micro/mesoporous materials.