Ultrafine Magnetite Nanopowder: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preliminary Use as Filler of Polymethylmethacrylate Nanocomposites

Abstract

Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis have been characterized in terms of morphological and structural features. Electron micrographs collected in both scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) modes and evaluations of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns have indicated the achievement of a monodispersed crystallite structure with particles having an average size around 15-20 nm. Structural investigations by Micro-Raman spectroscopy highlighted the obtainment of magnetite nanocrystals with a partial surface oxidation to maghemite (γ-Fe 3 O 4 ). Preliminary attention has been also paid to the use of these magnetite nanoparticles as filler for a commercial polymethylmethacrylate resin. Hybrid formulations containing up to 3 wt% of nanoparticles were prepared by melt blending and characterized by calorimetric and thermogravimetric tests. For sake of comparison, same formulations containing commercial Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are also reported. Calorimetric characterization indicates an increase of both glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems when loaded with the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles rather then loaded with the same amount of commercial Fe 3 O 4 . This first observation represents just one aspect of the promising potentiality offered by the novel magnetic nanoparticles when mixed with PMMA.

Diethylenetriamine-functionalized chitosan magnetic nano-based particles for the sorption of rare earth metal ions [Nd(III), Dy(III) and Yb(III)]

“…These peaks are characteristic of Fe 3 O 4 magnetite nanoparticles with a spinel structure and high magnetic properties. However, some additional small peaks at 2h = 21°, 33°and 41°may be indicative of the presence of some impurities in the form of a-or cFe 2 O 3 (i.e., maghemite) (Russo et al 2012). The Debye-Scherrer equation was used [on index (311), the highest and largest peak] for calculating the crystal sizes: this was about 6.5 nm.…”

A Novel Implantable Glaucoma Valve Using Ferrofluid

“…Magnetic nanoparticles, such as Fe 3 O 4 , have been extensively used in magnetic field induced localized hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer,[15]–[17] for high contrast magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and for iron deficiency due to hemodialysis. [18], [19] No adverse cytotoxic effects have been reported in intra-venous (IV) administration.…”

“…Such transformation could decrease the saturation magnetization of the ferromagnetic particles, changing the magnetic characteristics of the ferrofluid and permanently affecting its reliability of the valve. [17].…”

Applications of Magnetite Nanoparticles for Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater

“…Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the phase of the magnetic core of magnetite nanoparticles [28][29]. FTIR spectra yield information on the chemical bonds between the Fe 3 O 4 core and the organic surface coverage [30].…”

“…FTIR spectra yield information on the chemical bonds between the Fe 3 O 4 core and the organic surface coverage [30].…”