Synthesis of Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles pigment from lathe waste by sonication – calcination method

Abstract

Abstract Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized using precursor variation through sonication-calcination method. The precursor was manufactured from lathe waste digested using (a) HCl: HNO3, (b) H2SO4: HNO3, and (c) H2SO4: HCl solvents. Samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR, color reader, and SEM-EDX. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that Rietveld Refinement confirmed only one single-phase assigned to magnetite (Fe3O4) after sonication, one single-phase assigned to maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) after calcination, and widened peaks indicating nano-sized particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements confirmed the bonding of PEG to the magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles. Color reader measurement denoted the highest brightness level was achieved using precursor A. SEM-EDX data shows that the distribution of γ-Fe2O3 particles was not uniform. There were impurities detected, one of which was silica.