Perovskite structured bismuth ferrite BiFeO3 is one of the most promising lead-free piezoelectric materials, which exhibits multiferroic properties at ambient temperature. This study describes a simple green route for the synthesis of pure phase BiFeO3 via sol-gel process using an extract of Calotropis Gigantea flower as well as by synthetic route using other complexing agent (Citric acid) and dispersant (Polyethylene glycol). An extract of Calotropis Gigantea flower was used as a reaction medium in green route. Prepared BiFeO3 particles are in the range of 50-60nm and exhibits mixed morphology (viz., spherical and cubic) as confirmed by TEM analysis. Additionally, pure phase BiFeO3 nanoparticles were first time surface modified effectively by means of two silylating agent’s viz., tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES).Modified and unmodified BiFeO3 nanoparticles were efficiently introduced into polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) matrix and technical properties of the nanocomposites were studied.Results evidently reveals that nanocomposites prepared with modified BiFeO3 comprise superior dispersion characteristics, enhanced thermal stability, improved ferroelectric properties and favorable magneto-dielectric properties along with excellent wettability compare to nanocomposite prepared by unmodified BiFeO3. These preface outcomes demonstrate possible applications of this type of nanocomposites particularly in the field of magneto-electric coatings and adhesives.
Keywords: Nanocomposites; Smart materials; Magnetic properties; Multiferroics; Calotropis Gigantea.
