Linear birefringence and dichroism measurement in oil-based Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles

To prepare dispersed Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), we adopt a co-precipitation method and consider surfactant amount, stirring speed, dispersion mode, and molar ratio of Fe3+/Fe2+. Via transmission electronic microscopy and X-ray diffractometry, we characterize the dispersibility and size of the products and determine the appropriate values of experimental parameters. The stirring speed is 1000 rpm in titration. There is simultaneous ultrasonic vibration and mechanical stirring in the titration and surface coating processes. The surfactant amount of oleic acid is 1.2 ml for molar ratios of Fe3+/Fe2+ as 1.7:1, 1.8:1, and 1.9:1. The average diameters of these Fe3O4 MNPs are 11 nm, and the ratios of saturation magnetization for these MNPs to that of bulk magnetite range from 45% to 65%, with remanent magnetization close to zero and low coercivity. Above all, the linear birefringence and dichroism measurements of the kerosene-based ferrofluid (FF) samples are investigated by a Stokes polarimeter. The influences of particle size distribution and magnetization in the birefringence and dichroism measurements of FFs are discussed. - Highlights: ► Dispersed Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are produced by a co-precipitation method. ► Simultaneous ultrasonic vibration and mechanical stirring are used in titration and coating. ► Diameters of Fe3O4 MNPs are determined as 11 nm with maximum magnetization as 54.27 emu/g. ► Birefringence and dichroism of ferrofluids are obtained by a Stokes polarimeter successfully