In-situ core-shell polymerization of magnetic polymer nanocomposite (PAAc/Fe3O4) particles via gamma radiation

Gamma radiation as a novel approach to synthesize core-shell magnetic polymer nanocomposite (PAAc/Fe3O4) particles was investigated. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were primarily prepared by in situ precipitation–oxidation and radiation polymerization of polyacrylic acid PAAc. The polymerization process was carried out by dissolving two salts of Fe2+/3+ sulfates into a 20% solution of PAAc followed by exposing them to gamma radiation at a dose of 30 kGy. Subsequently, an appropriate amount of ammonium (NH4OH) solution was added to the PAAc/Fe2+/3+ polymer solution, yielding a black precipitate of PAAc/Fe3O4. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the in situ polymerization of core-shell magnetic polymer nanocomposites resulted in sphere-like particles of PAAc/Fe3O4 with diameters of 30 nm. Hysteresis loops indicated that these particles are ferromagnetic in nature