Directed assembly of magnetic nanoparticles in polymers: The formation of anisotropic plastic films containing aligned nanowires

Despina Fragouli*, Raffaella Buonsanti, Giovanni Bertoni, Claudio Sangregorio, Francesca Villafiorita, Carola La Tegola, Bruno Torre, Roberto Cingolani, Athanassia Athanassiou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We present a facile technique for the preparation of plastic films containing aligned magnetic nanowires with anisotropic behavior. Solutions of magnetic nanoparticles mixed with polymers are drop casted on a substrate under the application of a weak magnetic field, and upon solvent evaporation the nanoparticles are assembled following the field's direction forming thus aligned nanowires into the polymer. The application of the magnetic field in different time intervals reveals the kinetics of the nanowires formation in the film, while microscopy techniques reveal their morphology and their positioning in the film. The resulting nanocomposites exhibit magnetic and mechanical anisotropy. The efficiency and universality of the method is proved by the assembly of the magnetic nanoparticles with diverse polymers, heterostructures and organic molecules resulting in composite materials for a wide range of applications. Finally, the method is successfully applied during the photopolymerization process, allowing the formation of patterns with aligned nanowires.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNanotechnology 2010
Subtitle of host publicationAdvanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - Technical Proceedings of the 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Pages854-857
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010 - Anaheim, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 21 2010Jun 24 2010

Publication series

NameNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - Technical Proceedings of the 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Volume1

Other

OtherNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim, CA
Period06/21/1006/24/10

Keywords

  • Anisotropic behavior
  • Field directed assembly
  • Magnetic nanoparticles
  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanowires

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Surfaces and Interfaces

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