Influence of Iron(III) Oxide Nanorods on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Pan Nanofiber Mats

Abstract This study delves into the integration of iron (III) oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) nanorods into orientated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats, a topic of considerable interest in applications such as water treatment and environmental remediation. Focussing on the modification of PAN nanofibers, the research investigates the impact of varying concentrations (1 %, 3 % and 5 %) of Fe 2 O 3 nanorods on the mechanical and thermal properties of the nanofiber mats. Mechanical strength was evaluated by tensile testing, while thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate a notable improvement in the mechanical strength of the nanofiber mats, with an increase of up to 24 % observed at the highest nanorod concentration of 5 %. However, the thermal stability of the mats showed a decrease of approximately 12 % as per the TGA results. This research provides new insights into the effect of Fe 2 O 3 nanorod reinforcement on PAN nanofibers, highlighting the trade-offs between mechanical enhancement and thermal stability.