MAGNETIC-NANOPARTICLE-POLYMER COMPOSITES WITH ENHANCED MAGNETO-OPTICAL PROPERTIES

摘要

Composites, designed "MNPC" materials, are formed by methods of which an exemplary method includes preparing a liquid suspension of magnetic nanoparticles in a carrier liquid in which the nanoparticles are not soluble. The carrier liquid can form a rigid polymer matrix for the nanoparticles whenever the carrier liquid is exposed to a rigidification condition. A first rigidification condition is applied to the suspension to rigidify the carrier liquid into the polymer matrix and thus form a rigid MNPC material. A fluidizing condition is applied to the rigid MNPC material to fluidize the matrix and allow movement of the nanoparticles in the matrix. While the matrix is fluid, the MNPC material is magnetically poled by exposure to an external magnetic field. Poling aligns at least some of the nanoparticles with the field and allows at least some particles to self-assemble with each other. While continuing the magnetic poling, a second rigidification condition is applied to the MNPC material to freeze further movement of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The produced materials have enhanced properties including magneto-optical properties.