Radiolytic Synthesis of Magnetic Nanocomposites

Magnetic nanocomposites, in which magnetic nanoparticles are encapsulated in polymeric matrices, have important applications in medicine, electronics and mechanical devices. However, the development of processes leading to magnetic nanocomposites with desirable, predictable and reproducible properties has turned out to be a difficult challenge. To date, most studies have concentrated on a magnetic oxide, primarily magnetite (Fe3O4), as the encapsulated phase. However, the synthesis of batches of magnetite with homogeneous properties at reasonably low temperature is a delicate operation. Indeed, commercial lots of magnetite powder, despite having bulk Fe3O4 stoichiometry, turn out to have large variations in structure and in magnetic properties. The difficulties in controlling the product are greatly magnified when the particle size is in the nanometer range