Magnetic metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) of Ni, Ni82Fe18, Ni50Fe50, Ni64Fe36, and Fe were prepared by the technique of the electrical explosion of metal wire. The average size of the MNPs of all types was in the interval of 50 to 100 nm. Magnetic polymeric composites based on polyvinyl butyral with embedded metal MNPs were synthesized and their structural, adhesive, and magnetic properties were comparatively analyzed. The interaction of polyvinyl butyral (supplied as commercial GE cryogenic varnish) with metal MNPs was studied by microcalorimetry. The enthalpy of adhesion was also evaluated. The positive values of the enthalpy of interaction with GE increase in the series Ni82Fe18, Ni64Fe36, Ni50Fe50, and Fe. Interaction of Ni MNPs with GE polymer showed the negative change in the enthalpy. No interfacial adhesion of GE polymer to the surface of Fe and permalloy MNPs in composites was observed. The enthalpy of interaction with GE polymer was close to zero for Ni95Fe5 composite. Structural characterization of the GE/Ni composites with the MNPs with the lowest saturation magnetization confirmed that they tended to be aggregated even for the materials with lowest MNPs concentrations due to magnetic interaction between permalloy MNPs. In the case of GE composites with Ni MNPs, a favorable adhesion of GE polymer to the surface of MNPs was observed.
Keywords: electric explosion of wire; magnetic nanoparticles; metallic nanoparticles; polymer filled composites; polyvinyl butyral.