Giant negative magnetoresistance in a composite system based on Fe3O4 nanocrystals in a polymer matrix

Abstract

Conducting polymer composites based on Fe3O4 nanocrystals in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix are synthesized. The current-voltage characteristics, the magnetization, and the magnetoresistance of the nanocomposites are investigated, and a giant negative magnetoresistance is observed. The decrease in the resistance at room temperature is found to reach 10% in a 10 kOe field. © 1998 American Institute of Physics.