Synthesis, thermal and magnetic behavior of iron oxide-polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites of various concentrations were prepared using iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles as filler in an 80:20 ratio of the polyurethane diol and polycaprolactone hybrid. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy studies were performed to find out the interaction of the nanoparticles with the polymer blend. Fe2O3 in the polymer composites was in the nanoscale and uniform dispersion was achieved, as revealed by X-ray diffraction. The thermal stability of the blend was assessed through thermogravimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images ensured the development of the polymer hybrid around Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the prepared composites were indeed in the nanoscale. The magnetic behavior of the prepared nanocomposites is superparamagnetic with high magnetization values, as assessed by vibrating sample magnetometry analysis.