On the Synthesis and Physical Properties of PVDF Nanofibers Loaded with Maghemite

Nanoparticles of maghemite have been synthesized by the laser pyrolysis of a mixture of iron pentacarbonyl, air, and ethylene, where the air was used as oxidizer and ethylene as a sensitizer. Electron microscopy, X-Ray spectra, and magnetic measurements have been used to characterize the as obtained nanoparticles. Nanocomposite nanofibers of PVDF loaded with various amounts of maghemite nanoparticles have been obtained by force spinning. The polymeric matrix (polyvinylidene fluoride) has been dissolved into a 50:50 mixture of acetone and dimethylformamide, at room temperature. The magnetic nanoparticles were added to this solution and the mixture was homogenized by high power sonication for 1 hour. The obtained solution was then force spun, at various rates, ranging from 1000 to 10,000 rotations/minute. Electron microscopy was used to assess the size distribution and shape of nanoparticles and of the nanofibers. Elemental analysis confirmed the presence of the nanoparticles within the nanofibers. The crystalline structure of the polymeric matrix and of nanoparticles was determined by X-Ray analysis. Additional Raman and magnetic measurements (hysteresis, field-cooled, and the zero-field-cooled measurements) are scheduled.