Synthesis of thermosensitive microgels with a tunable magnetic core

Langmuir. 2011 Sep 6;27(17):10484-91. doi: 10.1021/la201723a. Epub 2011 Aug 3.

Abstract

In this work, we describe a new methodology for the preparation of monodisperse and thermosensitive microgels with magnetic core. In order to produce such a material, hydrophobic magnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were prepared by two methods: thermal decomposition and coprecipitation. The surface of these nanoparticles was modified by addition of 3-butenoic acid, and after that these nanoparticles were dispersed in water and submitted to free radical polymerization at 70 °C in the presence of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and bisacrylamide. The result of this reaction was monodisperse microgels with a magnetic core. By varying the amount of 3-butenoic acid, it was possible to obtain hybrid microgels with different magnetic core sizes and different architectures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylamides / chemistry
  • Butyrates / chemistry
  • Gels / chemical synthesis*
  • Gels / chemistry
  • Magnetics
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Acrylamides
  • Butyrates
  • Gels
  • Magnetite Nanoparticles
  • 3-butenoic acid
  • N-isopropylacrylamide