Preparation and Characterization of PNIPAM Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Controllable Magnetic Properties

To combine temperature responsive nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels) with magnetic response, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) based magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels (MNC gels) was prepared by embedding magnetic nanoparticles into NC gels via in situ chemical co precipitation method using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as monomer and inorganic clay Laponite XLS (Clay-S) as physical crosslinker. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X ray Diffractometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) were used to characterize network structure of MNC gels, Fe3O4 nanoparticles crystal type and distribution, temperature sensitive and magnetic properties. In addition, the effects of concentration of iron ions, monomers concentration and clay content on magnetic performance of MNC gels were investigated in detail, and possible to model it. Results showed that MNC gels combined temperature and magnetic response, where magnetic properties were influenced by above factors. Furthermore, a suitable model was built up to predict magnetic properties of MNC gels, which made controllable preparation of magnetic properties reachable.