Characterization Of Magnetite Nanoparticle/Polymer Nanocomposite Materials In Gel And Dry State

We present the characterization of nanocomposite materials made from functionalized magnetite nanoparticles and HEUR amphiphilic polymers in the gel and dry states. The hydrophobically modified particles are mainly associated with the two hydrophobic end-groups of the polymer. One part of this study focuses on the polymeric state and dynamics, that are governed by the polymeric network through amphiphilic interactions forming a gel in the wet state and microphase separated system in the dry state. Apart from the network, the particles seem to be well distributed at concentrations below 1% wt, while strong clustering is observed at higher concentrations. The magnetic response of the dry nanocomposite shows super-paramagnetic behavior with a blocking temperature of ca. 25K.