In Situ Synthesis of Iron Oxide-Polyisobutylene Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Size Control, Magnetic and Mechanical Properties Enhancement
Creators
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1.
University of Technology of Compiègne
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2.
Molécule aux Nano-objets Réactivité, Interactions et Spectroscopies
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3.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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4.
Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris
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5.
Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire
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6.
Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert
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7.
California Institute of Technology
Abstract
Polymer nanocomposites with precisely controlled nanoparticle size and narrow polydispersity offer substantial potential for multifunctional applications, particularly in energy and healthcare. In this study, we introduce an in situ synthesis approach for creating iron oxide nanoparticle-polyisobutylene nanocomposites, where the nanoparticle size distribution and spatial dispersion are finely tuned by adjusting the polymer concentration and molecular weight. This method allows us to investigate and control the growth dynamics of nanoparticles within the polymer solution, providing insights into how the polymer molecular weight and concentration influence nucleation, growth, and assembly. Beyond achieving precise size control, our approach enables the rational design of nanocomposites with significantly enhanced mechanical strength, evidenced by an increased storage modulus, while preserving their superparamagnetic behavior. This strategy advances the development of high-performance magnetic polymer nanocomposites and opens up possibilities for applications that require both robust mechanical properties and responsive magnetic features, marking a significant step forward in nanocomposite design and functionality.
Acknowledgement
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the LEEGO “chalLEnges and opportunities of connecting lenGth scales in nanO-structuredmaterials” chair program, and the ANR NanoHype project ”Temperature Profile in Nanomagnetbased Hyperthermia Devices” (ANR-21-CE09-0043). S.M. extends sincere appreciation to the Materials Institute for the Ph.D. scholarship (IMAT-DOCTORANT SORBR122RRO). The authors thank Dr. Sanjeeva Murthy (Rutgers University) and Jacques Jestin (Institut Laue-Langevin) for the fruitful discussion about the SAXS data analysis. They also express their gratitude to Dr. Erwann Guénin, Dr. Layella Ziyani, and Isabelle Velluet for providing access to essential instrumentation. The authors also thank Dr. David Hrabovsky from the Plateforme Mesures Physiques a Basses Temperatures (MPBT), Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France, for his support in VSM measurements. W.A.G. thanks the US National Science Foundation for funding (CBET 2311117).
Copyright and License
© 2025 American Chemical Society
Supplemental Material
The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.5c00457.
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PIB2–10% nanocomposite’s response to magnetic fields, showing its flow behavior when exposed to a magnet (MP4)
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Density mass fraction, Guinier plot, SAXS fitting, XRD, rheology frequency sweep, and DSC analysis (PDF)
Additional details
Funding
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche
- ANR NanoHype project ”Temperature Profile in Nanomagnetbased Hyperthermia Devices” ANR-21-CE09-0043
- Université de Technologie de Compiègne
- LEEGO “chalLEnges and opportunities of connecting lenGth scales in nanO-structuredmaterials” chair program -
- National Science Foundation
- CBET 2311117
Dates
- Available
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2025-04-17Published online