Biodegradable PBAT@CoFe₂O₄ foils as magnetically active photothermal materials for smart surface heating

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like PBAT offer sustainable material solutions.
• Superparamagnetic nanoparticles can be integrated into polymer matrices for novel functionalities.
• NIR-to-heat conversion materials have applications in various fields, including biomedical and recycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a biodegradable PBAT@CoFe2O4 composite foil.
• To investigate its near-infrared (NIR) energy conversion to heat properties.
• To evaluate its safety and potential applications in recycling.

Main Methods:

• Solvent evaporation casting technique for composite foil fabrication.
• Thermal analysis (TGA/DTA, DSC) and magnetic characterization.
• NIR laser irradiation for heating tests and cytotoxicity assays (ISO standards).

Main Results:

• The composite foil demonstrated strong interfacial interactions between PBAT and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.
• Efficient NIR-to-heat conversion was achieved, reaching 115 °C with a SAR of 97.5 W g⁻¹.
• The material exhibited no cytotoxicity, indicating safety for potential applications.

Conclusions:

• The developed PBAT@CoFe2O4 composite is a promising NIR-responsive material for energy conversion.
• Its magnetic properties facilitate separation for recycling purposes.
• The material is safe and non-toxic, suitable for diverse practical applications.