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. Fe₃O₄/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 Fe₃O₄ to form Fe₃O₄/FePc hybrid microspheres without serious agglomeration. The surface roughness of Fe₃O₄/FePc microspheres was investigated by the scanning probe microscope (SPM), and confirmed by the adsorption and desorption isotherms of N₂. 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 Fe₃O₄/FePc microspheres would improve the crystallization degree of c-PEN, due to their much more micro/mesoporous structures than that of original Fe₃O₄/FePc. Then, Fe₃O₄/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 Fe₃O₄/FePc and PEN matrix. The excellent surface properties and micro/mesoporous structures make the novel Fe₃O₄/FePc an excellent candidate of organic/inorganic hybrid fillers and micro/mesoporous materials.
Keywords: Fe3O4/FePc hybrid microspheres; adsorption and desorption; interfacial properties; micro/mesoporous; poly(arylene ether nitrile) composite.