Superparamagnetic Flexible Substrates based on Submicron Electrospun Estane Fibers Containing MnZnFe-Ni Nanoparticles

Abstract

AbstractFlexible field responsive superparamagnetic substrates were prepared by electrospinning a solution of elastomeric polyurethane containing ferrite nanoparticles (ca. 14 nm) of Mn-Zn-Ni. The flexible mats were characterized in terms of fiber morphology and magnetic properties. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) indicated that the diameter of these composite fibers was ca. 300-500 nm. Furthermore, the back-scattered electron FESEM images indicated agglomeration of the nanoparticles at higher wt% (ca 17-26 wt%) loading in the electrospun fibers. The induced specific magnetic saturation and the relative permeability were found to increase linearly with increasing wt% loading of the ferrite nanoparticles on the submicron electrospun fibers. A specific magnetic saturation of 1.7 – 6.3 emu/g at ambient conditions indicated superparamagnetic behavior of these composite electrospun substrates. Additionally, dielectric constant values of the electrospun fibers were measured to be between 2.3 and 5.8.