Superparamagnetic nanocomposites: prepared by embedding Fe3O4@graphene oxide in chiral poly(amide–imide)

Abstract

The exploration of magnetic polymer nanocomposites is of great importance owing to their unique properties and promising applications. Herein, for the first time, the ternary superparamagnetic nanocomposites of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, graphene oxide (GO) and optically active poly(amide–imide) (Fe3O4@GO/PAI) were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The preparation was attained via a three-stage process consisting of a facile one-pot in situ growth of Fe3O4 on GO, resulted in the preparation of the magnetic Fe3O4@GO, modification of Fe3O4@GO by 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane to introduce amino groups on its surface and subsequently its compositing by various levels of 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 wt% with chiral PAI through ultrasonic irradiation afforded the magnetic nanocomposites (NanoFe3O4@GO/PAI). The SEM analysis showed Fe3O4 nanoparticles with 30 nm size were successfully decorated the GO nanosheets. The TGA analysis established the expected thermal stability for Fe3O4@GO/PAI nanocomposites. Furthermore, incorporation of Fe3O4@GO in polymer matrix improved the mechanical properties substantially.