In-situ synthesis and magnetic properties of polystyrene/polypyrrole nanocomposite materials with uniformly dispersed iron nanoparticles

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrices have excellent potential for electromagnetic device applications like EMI noise reduction. We have synthesized polystyrene (PS) and polypyrrole (PPy) composites by controllably dispersing bare and PS-coated Fe nanoparticles. These nanocomposites were processed as spin-coated thin films as well as in bulk form. The processing conditions were optimized to achieve good uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. SEM scans revealed clustering of nanoparticles which was particularly evident at the surface in the conducting polymer nanocomposites. Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements indicate large coercivities associated with the clusters and surface oxidation of the Fe particles. Overall, the excellent dispersion coupled with reasonable control over magnetic properties achieved in our experiments is promising for electromagnetic applications of these materials.