Mobility investigations of magnetic nanoparticles in biocomposites

Biocompatible composites are presented, consisting of magnetite nanoparticles embedded into a matrix of meltable dextran ester, which can be softened under an induced alternating magnetic field and may thereby allow magnetically controlled release applications. Temperature dependent mobility investigations of magnetic nanoparticles in the molten composites were carried out by optical microscopy, magnetometry, AC susceptibility and Mossbauer spectroscopy measurements. Optical microscopy shows a movement of agglomerates and texturing in the micrometer scale, whereas AC-susceptometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy investigations reveal that the particles perform diffusive Brownian motion in the liquid polymer melt as separated particles rather than as large agglomerates. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.