Synthesis and characterization of magnetic composites based on cis-polyisoprene and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were obtained by the co-precipitation method. They were further modified by the adsorption of ricinoleic acid (RA). The non-modified and modified CoFe2O4/RA nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The modified particles present a mean diameter < 20 nm. The adsorption of RA on the CoFe2O4 surface is characterized by the IR absorptions of the RA while in the Raman spectrum the predominant signals are those from the CoFe2O4. The cis-polyisoprene (PI) composite was prepared by dissolving PI in cyclohexane followed by the addition of a magnetic fluid based on CoFe2O4/RA nanoparticles dispersed in cyclohexane. After solvent evaporation a magnetic composite was obtained and characterized by AFM, Raman, and FTIR measurements. AFM images show uniformly CoFe2O4/RA particles distributed in the PI matrix. Raman spectra obtained for the composites reveal the characteristic Raman peaks of PI and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.