Synthesis and characterization of superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic film based on maghemite–polystyrene composite nanoparticles

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 259; pp. 719 - 725
• Main Authors: Zhang, L.D., Liu, W.L., Xu, W.H., Yao, J.S., Zhao, L., Wang, X.Q., Wu, Y.Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aircraft components; Avionics; Biomedical materials; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Maghemite; Magnetic properties; Nanoparticles; Physics; Polystyrene; Polystyrene resins; Silica; Silicon dioxide; Superhydrophobic; Superparamagnetic; Synthesis; Superhydrophobic; Superparamagnetic; Polystyrene; Film; Silica; Maghemite; Nanoparticles; Inorganic compounds; Composite materials; Silicon oxides; Superparamagnetism
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.07.106

► Maghemite nanoparticles were coated with silica. ► Polystyrene was grafted onto the surface of silica coated maghemite. ► The rough surface shows superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic properties. We combine two abilities: the superhydrophobicity of lotus leaf and the magnetic property of γ-Fe2O3. A superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic polystyrene/silica/maghemite (PS/SiO2/γ-Fe2O3 (PSVSF)) film was prepared by a three-step chemical procedure at mild conditions. The products exhibited superhydrophobicity and superparamagnetism after coating and modifying. Because PS and SiO2 supplied the low surface energy and roughness, respectively. In addition, the classic and a modified Cassie–Baxter relation were applied on the PSVSF films to verify the superhydrophobic performance. It indicates that the obtained superhydrophobic and superparamagnetic films are promising materials for numerous potential applications fields, including aerospace, electronic, biomedical, martial and defense-related areas.