Microstructural investigation of some biocompatible ferrofluids

Abstract Two batches of aqueous ferrofluids based on iron oxide particles as solid nanomagnetic phase have been prepared by applying the chemical precipitation method. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (N(CH3)4OH) and citric acid (C6H8O7) were used to functionalize magnetic cores. Physical tests have been performed in order to reveal the microstructural and magnetic features, both needed for biomedical utilization. The particle size was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), magnetization measurements and X-ray diffraction (for composition and phase information). The dimensional distribution of the ferrophase physical diameter was comparatively discussed using the box-plot statistical method revealing the fulfilling of the main requirements for ferrofluid stability.