Abstract

The present work aims to study the magnetoelastic coupling between Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in order to control the magnetic anisotropy of flexible nanocomposites through their deformation. In this sense, firstly, Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized using the solvothermal methodology as described by Zu et al. [1] and fully characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results of PXRD and TEM pointed out a nanoprism morphology with a spinel structure. No secondary phases were found, which evidences no oxidation of the Fe3O4 NPs. The VSM measurements displayed superparamagnetic NPs at room temperature. Afterward, the flexible nanocomposites were prepared using the characterized NPs and Mold Max™ 14NV silicone rubber. Up to date, the flexible nanocomposites were characterized by atomic force microscopy and a smooth surface with no Fe3O4 NPs aggregates was observed. Finally, tension measurements will be performed under a magnetic field by using the NanoRack Sample stretching stage, coupled with Jupiter AFM equipment.