Synthesis and magnetic properties of polymer nanocomposites with embedded iron nanoparticles

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices have excellent potential for electromagnetic device applications like electromagnetic interference suppression. We have synthesized polymer nanocomposites of poly(methylmethacrylate) doped with varying concentrations of iron nanoparticles (∼20 nm in size). The iron nanoparticles were produced using a microwave plasma technique and have a natural oxide surface layer for passivation. These nanocomposites were processed using melt blending technique. The polymer processing conditions were optimized to achieve good uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The concentration and dispersion of nanoparticles were varied in a controlled way. Surface characterization with scanning electron microscopy indicates that, to a large extent, the iron nanoparticles are embedded in the bulk; the surface mainly showed features associated with the polymer surface. Static magnetic properties such as susceptibility and M–H loops were studied using a physical property measurement system. The variation of the ferromagnetic response was consistent with the varying volume concentration of the nanoparticles, the polymer itself contributing a diamagnetic response. At room temperature, hysteresis loops exhibited a somewhat large coercivity (260 Oe) associated with a surface oxide layer on the particles. Overall, the excellent dispersion coupled with reasonable control over magnetic properties achieved in our experiments is promising for electromagnetic applications of these materials.

Thermal properties of 3-D printed polylactic acid-metal composites

“…3-D printed fabrication of metal/polymer composites has been shown to promote dimensional stability, while simultaneously reducing the cost of manufacturing as compared to conventional methods [17]. Enhanced thermal conductivity polymer/ metal composites have been proposed; hybrid filler [18], nanoporous particle embedding [19], polypropylene composite with graphite and carbon black [20] and polymeric composites utilized for heat dissipation, are expanding in many fields of engineering [21].…”

Temperature-dependent rigidity and magnetism of polyamide 6 nanocomposites based on nanocrystalline Fe-Ni alloy of various geometries

“…It is noted that all the magnetic parameters including χ ini , M s , M r and H c are reduced; indicating suppressed ferromagnetic nature of the nanocomposite, with the increased temperature. This is due to the greater thermal activation energy of spins at higher temperature [37]. Interestingly, χ ini and M s at 100°C are little lower than those at room temperature by 9 and 16% respectively.…”

“…Meanwhile, they display new functionalities such as magnetism and electrical conductivity as well as enhanced mechanical and thermal properties as compared to the neat polymer due to metallic inclusions. Therefore, FMNMs-PNCs can emerge as promising alternatives to ferromagnetic metallic nanomaterials in various disciplines [14,15]. It is well known that, intensive filler-matrix interfacial interactions should dominate the PNC structure, in order to attain a unique combination of constituents' properties.…”

Magnetic response of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles in polymer matrix

“…Recently, attempts are being made to study nano-composite materials, where magnetic nanoparticles are dispersed in a suitable (magnetic/non-magnetic) matrix [9,10,11]. The magnetic nano-composites are interesting not only to formulate the mechanism of inter-particle interactions and surface magnetism, but the materials are also emerging as the potential candidate to replace many conventional materials in science and technology [12,13,14].…”