Mn-ZnO nanopowder to enhance the AC impedance,electrical conductivity,and physicochemical properties of epoxy transparent polymer insulating composites
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online March, 2026
Mn-ZnO nanopowder to enhance the AC impedance,electrical conductivity,and physicochemical properties of epoxy transparent polymer insulating composites
This study explores the dielectric and AC impedance characteristics of epoxy transparent polymer insulating composites filled with Mn–ZnO nanopowder at various loadings. Measurements were conducted across frequencies from 3 kHz to 10 MHz to assess the impact of nanopowder concentration on charge transport and interfacial phenomena. The introduction of Mn–ZnO significantly enhanced AC conductivity due to interfacial polarization and space charge accumulation at filler–matrix boundaries, achieving a maximum value of 0.017 S/m at 10 MHz for the 0.2 wt% composite. This improvement highlights the material’s potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The bulk resistance (Rb) increased from 1.438 MΩ for pure epoxy to 1.976 MΩ at 5.0 wt% filler content, indicating strengthened potential barriers and enhanced charge scattering induced by Mn–ZnO doping. A progressive reduction in capacitor Q values with increasing filler content was observed, signifying decreased interfacial polarization and lower energy losses, advantageous for capacitor efficiency. Impedance spectra revealed frequency-dependent behavior, with higher resistance at low frequencies and reduced real impedance at high frequencies due to limited carrier motion. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) features confirmed successful filler incorporation. Overall, uniform dispersion of Mn–ZnO nanopowder is essential for achieving optimal dielectric and impedance performance in epoxy-based systems.
MekhaKBYusofNATSudhakarK, et al.Development of sustainable polymer-based dielectric composites from agricultural waste: a review. Heliyon2024; 10: e39118.
2.
ChenQYangKFengY, et al.Recent advances in thermal-conductive insulating polymer composites with various fillers. Compos Appl Sci Manuf2024; 178: 107998.
3.
HanSChenSJiaoF. Insulating polymers for flexible thermoelectric composites: a multi-perspective review. Compos Commun2021; 28: 100914.
Estrada-MonjeASilva-GoujonMARodríguez-SánchezI, et al.Effect of the addition of PLA on the thermal and mechanical properties of reprocessed HDPE. Polymers2024; 16: 2387.
6.
ŞomoghiRSemenescuAPasăreV, et al.The impact of ZnO nanofillers on the mechanical and anti-corrosion performances of epoxy composites. Polymers2023; 16(14): 2054.
7.
SunFJiangHWangH, et al.Soft fiber electronics based on semiconducting polymer. Chem Rev2023; 123: 4693–4763.
8.
ZafarMImranSMIqbalI, et al.Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites for energy applications: recent advancements and prospects. Results Phys2024; 60: 107655.
9.
ThakorSJainPJoshiA, et al.Characteristics of nanoepoxy composite through structural, thermal and machine learning-enhanced dielectric analysis. J Polym Res2025; 32: 178.
10.
DasALiuDWaryRR, et al.Mn-Modified ZnO nanoflakes for optimal photoelectrochemical performance under visible light: experimental design and theoretical rationalization. J Phys Chem Lett2023; 14(43): 9604–9611.
11.
RashidABHaqueMIslamSMM, et al.Nanotechnology-enhanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites: recent advancements on processing techniques and applications. Heliyon2024; 10: e24692.
12.
PrajapatiPThakorSJainP, et al.Investigation of dielectric studies of paracetamol-diethylamine solutions: experimental and machine learning approach. Spectrochim Acta Mol Biomol Spectrosc2026; 345: 126767.
13.
PapalamprisGGeorgiouPArgyropoulosT, et al.Influence of ZnO (nano)Rods on the dielectric properties of DGEBF epoxy exposed to progressive artificial weathering for VHF/early UHF applications. Appl Sci2022; 13(3): 1375.
14.
ThakorSJoshiAPatelH, et al.Machine learning-assisted prediction and optimization of dielectric properties in epoxy resin nanocomposites. Macromol Res2025; 33: 1349–1358.
15.
RathoreMSSinghAPMadhaniV, et al.Influence of KMnO4 concentration on the physical and dielectric properties of potassium ion conducting PVdF-HFP polymer electrolytes. J Electron Mater2025; 54: 8664–8678.
16.
HardoňŠKúdelčíkJHornakJ, et al.Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of polyurethane and epoxy resins. AIP Conf Proc2021; 2411: 040004.
17.
RahalABouchamaIGhebouliMA, et al.Experimental investigation of structural and optical properties of Mn-doped ZnO thin films deposited by pneumatic spray technique. Sci Rep2025; 15(1): 7086.
18.
PriyankaMReddyGSKumar ReddyTR, et al.Synthesis and characterization of Y and Mn -doped ZnO nanoparticles: structural, optical, morphological, and gas sensing investigations. Phys B Condens Matter2024; 687: 416109.
19.
ChandraSPanditSGuptaA, et al.Sustainable Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles as an efficient cathode catalyst for enhanced ORR and photocatalytic dye degradation in microbial fuel cells. Water Air Soil Pollut2025; 236: 835.
20.
BouzidiAJilaniWYahiaIS, et al.Optical analysis and UV-Blocking filter of cadmium iodide-doped polyvinyl alcohol polymeric composite films: synthesis and dielectric properties. J Inorg Organomet Polym2020; 30: 3940–3952.
21.
LokR. The effects of temperature and frequency on the electrical and dielectric properties of Al2O3 structure. Silicon2025; 17: 2131–2142.
22.
AlsoudADaradkehSIRSShaheenAA, et al.Electrical characterization of epoxy nanocomposite under high DC voltage. Polymers2023; 16(7): 963.
23.
GuchaitASaxenaAChattopadhyayS, et al.Influence of nanofillers on adhesion properties of polymeric composites. ACS Omega2022; 7: 3844–3859.
24.
ZecchiSCristoforoGBartoliM, et al.A comprehensive review of electromagnetic interference shielding composite materials. Micromachines2024; 15(2): 187.
25.
VolkovaMSondorsRSpalvaE, et al.Epoxy-encapsulated ZnO–MWCNT hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced thermoelectric performance for low-grade heat-to-power conversion. Polymers2022; 15(23): 4540.
26.
JagłoGSuchaniczJKrukA, et al.New insights into structural, optical, electrical and thermoelectric behavior of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 single crystals. Sci Rep2025; 15(1): 1–21.
27.
FawadMMaqsoodNNawazA, et al.Synthesis, characterization, and enhanced optical and dielectric properties of pure and Ni-Doped ZnO nanoparticles for advanced electronic applications. Results Eng2025; 26: 104824.
28.
PratapRSinghAKRaiS, et al.Investigations on structural, microstructural, dielectric and electrical conductivity of the ZnO-MWCNTs nanocomposite synthesized via sol-gel method. Oxf Open Mater Sci2025; 5(1): itaf006.
IslamMRHomairaMEMahmudE, et al.MoS2 nanoflower decorated bio-derived chitosan nanocomposites for sustainable energy storage: structural, optical and electrochemical studies. Heliyon2024; 10: e25424.
31.
YadavVPalDPooniaAK. Exploring nanofillers: enhancing properties in biopolymer food packaging materials—A comprehensive review. Environmental Pollution and Management2025; 2: 256–270.
32.
Nguyen DiepQTHuynhHNCao DinhMQ, et al.Frequency-dependent contrast enhancement for conductive and non-conductive materials in electrical impedance tomography. Appl Sci2024; 14: 2141.
33.
JebaliSMejriCAlbouchiW, et al.Uncovering the possibilities of ceramic Ba(1−x)CoxTiO3 nanocrystals: heightened electrical and dielectric attributes. Solids2024; 5: 460–484.
34.
ZamanYIshaqueMZWarisK, et al.Modified physical properties of Ni doped ZnO NPs as potential photocatalyst and antibacterial agents. Arab J Chem2023; 16: 105230.
35.
FrancoMAContiPPAndreRS, et al.A review on chemi-resistive ZnO gas sensors. Sens Acutators Rep2022; 4: 100100.
36.
NardelliFMartiniFCarignaniE, et al.Glassy and polymer dynamics of elastomers by 1H-Field-Cycling NMR relaxometry: effects of fillers. J Phys Chem B2021; 125: 4546–4554.
37.
LandersJSalamonSWebersS, et al.Microscopic understanding of particle-matrix interaction in magnetic hybrid materials by element-specific spectroscopy. Phys Sci Rev2023; 8: 1915–1939.
38.
AadnanIZegaouiOEl MraguiA, et al.Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles used as photocatalysts for azo-dye degradation under visible light. Catalysts2022; 12(11): 1382.
39.
ShahWHAlamAJavedH, et al.Tuning of the band gap and dielectric loss factor by Mn doping of Zn1-xMnxO nanoparticles. Sci Rep2023; 13(1): 8646–8648.
40.
KamalAAAlyKAMahmoudAE. Suppression of interfacial polarization via enhancement of entropy, grain resistance and optical band-gap strategies in perovskite ceramics. Sci Rep2025; 15(1): 1–14.
41.
ZhangXPuYNingY, et al.Improved energy-storage properties accompanied by reduced interfacial polarization in linear Ca0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ceramic. Ceram Int2023; 49(16): 27589–27596.
42.
DutaLGrumezescuV. The effect of doping on the electrical and dielectric properties of hydroxyapatite for medical applications: from powders to thin films. Materials2024; 17: 640.
43.
PoothanariMATiyyaguraHRPottatharaYB. Influence of matrix, filler, and structural design on the dielectric and energy storage properties of cellulose composites. J Ind Eng Chem2025; 151: 112–130.
44.
ZhangSLanDZhengJ, et al.Insights into polarization relaxation of electromagnetic wave absorption. Cell Rep Phys Sci2024; 5(9): 102206.
45.
YangZYueDYaoY, et al.Energy storage application of all-organic polymer dielectrics: a review. Polymers2021; 14(6): 1160.
46.
ZhangSTianFLiangJ, et al.The time, electric field, and temperature dependence of charging and discharging currents in polypropylene films. Polymers2022; 15(14): 3123.
47.
FengMFengYZhangT, et al.Recent advances in multilayer-structure dielectrics for energy storage application. Adv Sci2021; 8: 2102221.
48.
Palani Velayuda ShanmugasundramHPJayamaniESoonKH. A comprehensive review on dielectric composites: classification of dielectric composites. Renew Sustain Energy Rev2022; 157: 112075.
49.
WuHZhuoFQiaoH, et al.Polymer-/Ceramic-based dielectric composites for energy storage and conversion. Energy & Environ Materials2022; 5: 486–514.
50.
XingZGuZZhangC, et al.Influence of space charge on dielectric property and breakdown strength of polypropylene dielectrics under strong electric field. Energies2022; 15: 4412.
51.
PanXSupiyevaZWangZ, et al.Progress and challenges of zinc ion capacitors: from basic principles to performance optimization strategies. Chem Eng J2025; 516: 163974.
52.
Leal-PerezJEFlores-ValenzuelaJAlmaral-SánchezJL, et al.Cole-cole analysis and optoelectronic properties, using VEELS, of KNNS ferroelectric ceramics. Mater Today Commun2022; 33: 104781.
53.
AhmedRJiLMingzeZ, et al.A method for extracting characteristic parameters of frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy of oil-paper insulation using modified cole–cole model. Electronics2024; 14(13): 2656.
54.
KyriazisACharifSRagerK, et al.A parametric model for the analysis of the impedance spectra of dielectric sensors in curing epoxy resins. Sensors2022; 23(4): 1825.
55.
BaluKKaliyamoorthySDuraiM, et al.Porphyrins and ZnO hybrid semiconductor materials: a review. Inorg Chem Commun2023; 154: 110973.
56.
AleinawiMHAmmarAUAkturkMB, et al.Spectroscopic probing of Mn-Doped ZnO nanowires synthesized via a microwave-assisted route. J Phys Chem C2022; 126: 4229–4240.
57.
TayariFTeixeiraSSGraçaMPF, et al.Investigating structural, dielectric, and electrical characteristics of sol–gel synthesized perovskite ceramic Bi0.7Ba0.3(FeTi)0.5O3. J Sol Gel Sci Technol2024; 112: 601–613.
58.
GonzálezJRSinclairDCWestAR. Impedance and dielectric spectroscopy of functional materials: a critical evaluation of the two techniques. J Electrochem Soc2023; 170: 116504.
59.
ZhangJMaMBiY, et al.A review of epoxy-based composite materials: synthesis, structure and application for electromagnetic wave absorption. J Alloys Compd2022; 922: 166096.
60.
SamadUAAlamMAAnisA, et al.Nanomechanical and electrochemical properties of zno-nanoparticle-filled epoxy coatings. Coatings2022; 12: 282.
61.
NitaiASChowdhuryTInamMN, et al.Carbon fiber and carbon fiber composites—creating defects for superior material properties. Adv Compos Hybrid Mater2024; 7: 169.
62.
SalihSJMahmoodWM. Review on magnetic spinel ferrite (MFe2O4) nanoparticles: from synthesis to application. Heliyon2023; 9: e16601.
63.
DługoszOBanachM. ZnO–SnO2–Sn nanocomposite as photocatalyst in ultraviolet and visible light. Appl Nanosci2021; 11: 1707–1719.
64.
CanAKızılbeyK. Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via Ganoderma lucidum extract: structural and functional analysis in polymer composites. Gels2024; 10: 576.
65.
YassinMTAl-AskarAAManiahK, et al.Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanocrystals utilizing Origanum majorana leaf extract and their synergistic patterns with colistin against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Crystals2022; 12(11): 1513.
66.
LitniewskiMGóźdźWTCiachA. Adsorption on a spherical colloidal particle from a mixture of nanoparticles with competing interactions. Molecules2023; 29(13): 3170.
67.
OuazriMMaherziWLesueurD, et al.Development of a new method to quantify filler dispersion in bituminous mastics by transmission microscopy and image analysis. Sci Rep2025; 15(1): 34754.
