Characterization of mechanically activated ZnO powder

Abstract

Materials based on ZnO structure have more frequently application as fillers in polymer ceramics nanocompozites. Performances of these materials depends on fillers morphology, surfaces texture and particles size. According to this, in this paper, the authors investigated the influence of mechanical activation of ZnO powder on crystal and micro structure. Commercially available ZnO powder was activated in a planetary ball mill for 2, 5, 10 and 30 minutes. Characterization of such obtained powders was performed using XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. XRD patterns indicated at lowering of peak intensities along with its broadening wich is realted to partical fragmentation and amorphyzation. Micrographs show irregularly shaped particles at the beginning and with prolonged milling time, particles gained uniformed distibution, while after 30 minutes of activation agglomerates started forming. The results we got by investigation of dynamical structure by Raman spectroscopy are in correlation with the other results of structures analysis. Results presented here enable further optimization of, polymer nanocompozite based on ZnO and PVDF, making process.