Specific loss power measurements by calorimetric and thermal methods on γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia

Abstract

Abstract Specific loss power has been measured on γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in water by means of several techniques, i.e. heat flow in a calorimeter, hyperthermia, and static and dynamic hysteresis loops. Static hysteresis loops as a function of the maximum applied field underestimate the power losses as dynamic effects are not exploited, but turned out to be a valuable tool to prove the consistency of specific loss power measurements obtained by the other techniques over a wide range of applied magnetic field intensities. A temperature-dependence of the specific loss power has been taken into account in hyperthermia measurements performed with a fully modelled non adiabatic experimental setup. Simple mean-field theoretical models (interacting superparamagnetic, modified Stoner-Wohlfarth) have been exploited to reproduce the static energy losses of the particles.