Characterization of the damping and mechanical properties of a novel (ZnSnO3/PVDF)@PPy nanofibers/EP composite

Abstract

In this paper, a novel (ZnSnO₃/PVDF)@PPy nanofiber (ZPPs)/EP composite (ZPPE) was prepared and its damping and mechanical properties were investigated. The morphology and structure of the composites were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The damping performance was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the results showed that for composite ZPPE-60 (i.e., 60% wt ZnSnO₃), the storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E′′) and loss factor (tan δ) values at 20 °C and 1 Hz increased respectively by about 195%, 655% and 330% compared with the epoxy matrix due to the piezo-damping effect (external mechanical energy–electrical energy–heat energy) and internal friction effect (from fiber–fiber and fiber-matrix friction). The flexural strength and Shore D hardness were also measured to test the composites' mechanical and wear resistance properties. The results suggested that the fabricated ZPPE composites can be used as good structural damping materials.