Nanoparticle positioning effect on the percolation phenomenon of the polyethylene oxide/iron nanocomposite films

Abstract In this research, we demonstrate the influence of compelled iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) up to the surface on the percolation phenomenon and the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films by applying a uniform magnetic field. The electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films exhibits a sharp increase from to 390 S∙cm⁻¹ as the FeNPs volume fraction rises from 0.12 to 0.24, where the FeNPs form percolating networks and interparticle contacts. Applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the surface of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films and consequently increases the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films up to 1960 S∙cm⁻¹. The morphological features of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films with different concentrations of FeNPs upon applying a magnetic field towards the surface were investigated. Finally, the corrosion protection efficiency of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films increases as FeNPs increase from an insulating zone to a conductive zone. On the other hand, applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite surfaces, increasing the corrosion protection efficiency from 92.67% to 98.09%. Highlights The nanoparticle positioning effect on nanocomposite films is investigated. The electrical conductivity of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite film reaches 390 S∙cm⁻¹. Electrical conductivity increases to 1960 S∙cm⁻¹ upon nanoparticle positioning. Corrosion protection efficiency increases to 98.09% after nanoparticle positioning.