Abstract

This work proposes the synthesis, characterization and investigation of the stabilization capabilities of chitosan doped with magnetic nanoparticles. Nanoparticles of Fe, Co, Co(II,III) oxide, Ni and Ni/Ag mixture in 2-propanol were synthesized by chemical liquid deposition and the incorporation on the polymeric matrix was performed by solvated metal atom dispersion. Colloids and nanoparticles supported on chitosan were characterized by ultraviolet, Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, electron diffraction X-ray and magnetic behaviour; transmission and field electronic scanning electron microscopy. The particle size distribution of colloids ranges from 6 to 50 nm with low particle stability due to flocculation after 120 days. The nanoparticles supported on chitosan had a particle size distribution of approximately between 10 and 80 nm, with low particle distribution; however, these particles do not flocculate because the matrix increases the stabilization of nanoparticles. All compounds present superparamagnetic behaviour at low temperature.