Influence of Magnetic Nanoparticles on PISA Preparation of Poly(Methacrylic Acid)-b-Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Nano-Objects

Abstract

This article presents the synthesis of poly(methacrylic acid)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer via polymerization-induced self-assembly in the presence of iron-oxide nanoparticles. Detailed phase diagrams with and without inorganic nanoparticles were constructed. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray photometry studies confirme the decoration of the polymeric nanoparticles with the iron-oxide nanoparticles. These hybrid nanoparticles were used to prepare porous thin film membranes by spin coating. Finally, the magneto-responsive properties of the membranes were assessed using water filtration tests in the presence and absence of a magnetic field.

Keywords: RAFT controlled block copolymers; decorated nanoparticles; magneto-responsive membranes; polymerization induced self-assembly.