Magnetorheological behaviour and electrospinning of poly(ethylene oxide) suspensions with magnetic nanoparticles

The properties of poly(ethylene oxide) aqueous suspensions with magnetic nanoparticles synthesized under microwave-assisted radiation are studied. The magnetic nanoparticles are formed by iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl ₃ ·6H ₂ O) dissolved in ethylene glycol (C ₂ H ₄ (OH) ₂ ) and subsequently in aqueous ammonia solution (approx. 25 wt% aq.). The polymer suspension exhibits substantial advantages over a suspension when ‘classical’ carrier fluids (water and silicone oil) are used. First, the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) significantly contributes to a fabrication of nanofibrous webs, the morphology of which is documented by scanning electron microscopy technique. Second, better sedimentation stability of the processed suspension during electrospinning reflects in a uniform distribution of magnetic nanoparticles along the nanofibres, thus ensuring even magnetic performance of the resulting membranes.