Magnetic Polymeric Composites and Gels Containing Magnetite Nanoparticles

Nowadays and with developments in science and technology of nanomaterials, polymers have displayed new capabilities by addition of inorganic nanoparticles like magnetic substances, besides retaining their natural characteristics. To maintain the initial properties, nanoparticles must be dispersed in the polymer matrix uniformly. Various ways have been proposed to improve this dispersion by modification of the nanoparticles surface with organic compounds. These functionalities can even participate in polymerization reactions or help their compatibilization. Most organic polymers can protect these nanoparticles against environmental degradation due to their hydrophobic nature. Magnetic nanoparticles and nanocomposites have several applications in dye, ink, sensors and microprocessors, medicine, controlled drug delivery, catalysts, water treatment and waste separation. Magnetic polymers have become increasingly important because of their properties such as toughness, easy processability, flexibility, elasticity and biocompatibility, as well as reversible chemical and physical changes in response to an external magnetic field. The main feature of these polymers is their ability to respond to changes in external magnetic field, as they quickly undergo microscopic changes structurally by on/off switching of the magnetic field. Magnetic gels and elastomers are some examples of these materials that have attracted much attention recently.