Synthesis and properties of magnetite nanoparticles with peroxide-containing polymer shell and nanocomposites based on them

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) with peroxide-containing polymer shell have been synthesized using the method of coprecipitation from the mixture solutions of Fe (II) and Fe (III) salts in the presence of peroxide-containing copolymer (PCC). Polymer shell presence has been proved by elemental and complex thermal analysis. Synthesized Fe3O4 NPs possess superparamagnetic properties. Their specific saturation magnetization decreases gradually from 65 to 54 A center dot m(2)center dot kg(-1) with increasing PCC concentration owing to the surface spin pinning effect caused by a polymer shell. The average sizes of Fe3O4 NPs estimated from the data of XRD analysis and magnetic measurements are in the range of 9-12 nm. The NP sizes determined by the DLS method lie in the range of 150-270 nm; this result is significantly larger than the sizes estimated by the two aforementioned methods evidencing a tendency for Fe3O4 NPs toward self-association. Cross-linked composite films based on polyvinyl alcohol have been obtained via radical curing initiated by the PCC shell of nanoparticles. The resulting composite films are magnetically sensitive films with rather high physico-mechanical properties (tensile strength reaches 48-67 MPa and relative elongation - 4%-21% depending on cross-linking degree), a priori non-toxic and biocompatible, which makes them promising materials for various applications.

Automated summary

Magnetite nanoparticles with peroxide-containing polymer shell were successfully synthesized in this study, exhibiting superparamagnetic properties and a tendency towards self-assembly. Cross-linked composite films based on these nanoparticles were obtained, showing high physico-mechanical properties and biocompatibility.