Nano‐dispersion of organo‐modified nanofiller in partially fluorinated matrix as the polymer/magnetic nanoparticle composites

A transparent and flexible crystalline polymer nanohybrid was fabricated, containing well‐dispersed magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with organic chain‐modified surfaces. The partially fluorinated copolymer matrix used is composed of switchboard‐type lamellae. These become transparent owing to the creation of high‐density amorphous regions on drawing the corresponding film at just below the polymer melting point. Although the creation of oleo‐ and hydrophobic fluorinated polymer/organo‐modified MNP nanohybrids is generally difficult, formation via melt compounding was confirmed using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis. On organo‐modification of the hydroxyl‐terminated MNP surface with long‐chain fatty acids, the resulting improvement in wettability aids the dispersion of the particles and hence maintains transparency. Nano‐dispersion of the organo‐filler was considered to result from surface modification‐induced improvement of particle miscibility and melt compounding. These nanohybrids have enhanced thermal degradation temperatures and mechanical properties, derived from the nucleation effect caused by the adsorption of the terminal polymer chains onto the organic modifier. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4496–4512, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers